Grind-In at Ethan's, Spring 2014

What type of electricity will we have available? Generators, or will we have access to household electricity? 1080 is so easy to HT I would hate to have to ship them somewhere if we can avoid it. Plus, doing the HT there we can show how we deal with warp, etc.

I'm also not trying to overstep my bounds. Nor am I in any way attempting to seem unappreciative of those willing to accept these blanks for HT, your offer is extremely generous and surely appreciated. My only concern is that there will likely be some expectation of instant gratification on the part of those making these knives and it may be less appealing if they aren't going home with what they've made. I could have it all wrong though. Just a thought.
 
1066vik said:
I can bring a small anvil (50-60 pounds) and possibly a chunk of rail plus a couple of hammers.
I should have a gallon or so of canola or peanut oil we can use as a quenchant
it won't eke ALL the potential of the steel out, but will do a pretty good job.
I also have a cast iron portable fire pit that can be used as a forge if you prefer that to digging a hole - it just needs a reasonable air source.
do you have a toaster oven for tempering after the initial quench?
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Yes, I have a toaster with actual temps pegged as reliable. Tempering shouldn't be an issue here. It would be nice to know participation numbers so we can have a better handle on what we are likely to encounter. 5-10 first-time grinders is substantially different than even 25-30.

Canola or peanut for 1080/1084 should be perfectly fine for these small blades IMHO. I have a new 5-gallon of fresh parks that hasn't been opened, but those seals are done once we break them. They always seem to leak, so getting it home could be problematic. I like the idea of the canola/peanut oil unless this is objectionable to others.

Your firepit, could you pm me a pic so I could see if I have something already made that could work? Or do you already have it piped with a turrey?

I can bring some coal, some belts, the toaster oven, and perhaps another grinder. But I think we need to have a handle on numbers. How many people usually attend these events? I'm sure there will be those interested that never notice this thread or post up.

Something else to consider is cord wraps and sheaths. Should we encourage the folks interested to bring their own, or is someone willing to donate? I may have some rolls of hemp. Are we even worrying about sheaths?
 
RSKT said:
What type of electricity will we have available? Generators, or will we have access to household electricity? 1080 is so easy to HT I would hate to have to ship them somewhere if we can avoid it. Plus, doing the HT there we can show how we deal with warp, etc.

I'm also not trying to overstep my bounds. Nor am I in any way attempting to seem unappreciative of those willing to accept these blanks for HT, your offer is extremely generous and surely appreciated. My only concern is that there will likely be some expectation of instant gratification on the part of those making these knives and it may be less appealing if they aren't going home with what they've made. I could have it all wrong though. Just a thought.
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Well, no appologies necessary, but its also not necessary to take advantage of what's being offered to anyone for free. Anyone that has made a knife knows that's there is seldom "instant gradification involved". If you could just go into the garage and whip out a knife in a few minutes everyone would do it. If any of the participants wish to use your said methods there. That's perfectly fine. However, I'm just offering if somebody wants a more precise professional job, I am offering it for free minus what it cost me to send it you when I'm done.

One of the cool things about hanging out at Ethans is that there's no pressure on anyone to do something you don't want to do, nobody shoves rules down your throat. Its just a bunch of liked minded guys getting together and enjoying a weekend in the woods, great food, and great friendships that I promise you will leave with.
 
Sorry if I crapped on your thread James, but while I'm at it, somebody remind ThePointyEnd to make some of that delicious brown ale! :D:thumbup:
 
TMHunt said:
Well, no appologies necessary, but its also not necessary to take advantage of what's being offered to anyone for free. Anyone that has made a knife knows that's there is seldom "instant gradification involved". If you could just go into the garage and whip out a knife in a few minutes everyone would do it. If any of the participants wish to use your said methods there. That's perfectly fine. However, I'm just offering if somebody wants a more precise professional job, I am offering it for free minus what it cost me to send it you when I'm done.

One of the cool things about hanging out at Ethans is that there's no pressure on anyone to do something you don't want to do, nobody shoves rules down your throat. Its just a bunch of liked minded guys getting together and enjoying a weekend in the woods, great food, and great friendships that I promise you will leave with.
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Yes, I completely agree with you that your way is more professional, and that one should not EVER expect instant gratification when it comes to making knives. I was under the impression that this was mostly for folks that have not made a knife before, and likely not familiar with the intricacies involved. Before I began making knives I would have likely expected to be going home with a knife if instruction and materials like this were available. Though, knowing what I know now delays are the norm :D

In any event, I tend to jump into things with two feet. Just my nature I guess. But probably not the best thing to do in current circumstances. I'm an unknown to all of you here, and I'm certainly not familiar with your gatherings. I believe, despite honorable intentions, I'm probably digging myself a hole with my involvement so far. I'm going to take a step back and simply state that; I'd like to come. I can bring some belts and perhaps some other things if needed. Someone just give me direction on what I can do. to help
 
This sounds amazing! I truly wish I could make it to this. Sincerely impressed by the donations of material and more importantly time!! I hope people realize what a great offer this is and take advantage of it.
 
RSKT said:
Yes, I completely agree with you that your way is more professional, and that one should not EVER expect instant gratification when it comes to making knives. I was under the impression that this was mostly for folks that have not made a knife before, and likely not familiar with the intricacies involved. Before I began making knives I would have likely expected to be going home with a knife if instruction and materials like this were available. Though, knowing what I know now delays are the norm :D

In any event, I tend to jump into things with two feet. Just my nature I guess. But probably not the best thing to do in current circumstances. I'm an unknown to all of you here, and I'm certainly not familiar with your gatherings. I believe, despite honorable intentions, I'm probably digging myself a hole with my involvement so far. I'm going to take a step back and simply state that; I'd like to come. I can bring some belts and perhaps some other things if needed. Someone just give me direction on what I can do. to help
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O.k. here's your direction..... Come, meet new friends, drink good beer, eat great food, play with knives, learn stuff you never expected. Not necessarily in any order. As far as what to bring. Bring whatever you want to show, sell, share or give. Nothin is expected from anybody, but everything is appreciated. Hope to see you there.
 
RSKT said:
Yes, I have a toaster with actual temps pegged as reliable. Tempering shouldn't be an issue here. It would be nice to know participation numbers so we can have a better handle on what we are likely to encounter. 5-10 first-time grinders is substantially different than even 25-30.

Canola or peanut for 1080/1084 should be perfectly fine for these small blades IMHO. I have a new 5-gallon of fresh parks that hasn't been opened, but those seals are done once we break them. They always seem to leak, so getting it home could be problematic. I like the idea of the canola/peanut oil unless this is objectionable to others.

Your firepit, could you pm me a pic so I could see if I have something already made that could work? Or do you already have it piped with a turrey?

I can bring some coal, some belts, the toaster oven, and perhaps another grinder. But I think we need to have a handle on numbers. How many people usually attend these events? I'm sure there will be those interested that never notice this thread or post up.

Something else to consider is cord wraps and sheaths. Should we encourage the folks interested to bring their own, or is someone willing to donate? I may have some rolls of hemp. Are we even worrying about sheaths?
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it's not piped, but it has a side vent that can be used to pipe in forced air.
I've used it at other gatherings piping in air with a mattress inflater and a scrap of 1/2" copper pipe.
 
I have a small anvil, plenty drills, center drills and a decent drill press....... We got plenty walnut and cutlery rivets if I can remember where they are and a reasonable amount of brass tube, and epoxy that I do not want to move with......

Should be fun......

E
 
TMHunt said:
Sorry if I crapped on your thread James, but while I'm at it, somebody remind ThePointyEnd to make some of that delicious brown ale! :D:thumbup:
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Got something a little more russet bubblin' in the airlock this time around. Promises to not leave the tastebuds bored in the least. And plans for something special If life is kind enough to let me back to the wort and kettle soon enough. But either way, I'll bring a goodly helping of "shop lubricant" along.


In other words, check and double check.
 
ThePointyEnd said:
Got something a little more russet bubblin' in the airlock this time around. Promises to not leave the tastebuds bored in the least. And plans for something special If life is kind enough to let me back to the wort and kettle soon enough. But either way, I'll bring a goodly helping of "shop lubricant" along.


In other words, check and double check.
Click to expand...


All is right with the world now.
 
If interested... I do have a two burner majestic propane forge I am sure I could wiggle into the trunk. Just have to be easy with her not to crack the lining. I could always drive 25 minutes and take it home if things got outta hand!:p
 
RSKT said:
I'm an unknown to all of you here, and I'm certainly not familiar with your gatherings. I believe, despite honorable intentions, I'm probably digging myself a hole with my involvement so far.
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Nah, sounds to me like you'll fit in just fine. Just remember, new guys have to bring extra beer. Or snacks... Or beer and snacks. :p

All kidding aside, thanks to everyone for chipping in. Clearly we've got plenty of resources to make this happen. All we need now is a few more folks that want to make their own knife...

I'm not at all surprised by the support, of course. Beckerheads are known for pitching in and getting stuff done :thumbup:
 
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