Help me get started and setting up my shop!

M

mike_758905

Joined
May 13, 2009
Messages
46
Hi, I have now been a member of this forum for 2 days, and have read a portion of the stickies. I have just about finished building a 25'x30' shop and am ready to presue learning to make knives. I have the rare opportunity to take a couple years off of work and try to make a go of knife making. My wife has decided she wants to go back to work so we can keep our benefits and we make similar incomes however, she is uncomfortable leaving our newborn boy with a sitter. Anyway long story short I get to play stay at home daddy and fully intend on learning to make knives starting with the stock removal method. I am going to pretend I know nothing on the subject and try to learn from scratch just in case I have missed anything in my self instruction although I have made a few knives. What I am needing help with is plans on trying to build my own grinder and gas forge. I already own a wide array of tools from plasma cutters to every kind of wood working tool imaginable. I am also needing help finding info on blade geometry and heat treating and tempering. Any good books? The grinder is my biggest problem at the moment and I am trying to keep my start up costs down so I have decided to try to build one very similar to a Burr King, any ideas for parts or plans?
 
For grinder plans, get a hold of Tracy Mickley either in the for sale section here or at usaknifemaker.com
 
Ryan Minchew (sp?) is a member here and lives in Pampa. You might drop him a line and see if he can help.
 
Welcome to our addiction Mike. :D

As far as heat treat and geometry you can find everything you need right here. Well enough to get you well on your way that's for sure. Get yourself a paying membership so it is easier to do searches and read away.

Good luck

Patrice
 
+ 1 on Patrice's statement

Newborn huh, how old. My son is 14 months. Is this your first child ? Just curious if you know what to expect and what is comming over the next year with being a stay at home Daddy. I certainly encourage the persuit of your goals just want to caution you that it's not gonna be an easy row to hoe, LOL. I've been stay at home Dad for not quite a year and it's by FAR the hardest most demanding thing I've ever experienced. Feel free to e-mail me if you want. By the way I'm in about the same position with my wife making the bread and me learning to make knives. :D

-Josh
 
Josh my boy is 5 weeks old as of today, and I believe this is going to be one of the biggest challenges in my life. I am a bit of a go getteer and have been self employed for the last 8 years and have managed to provide for my family and obtain about everything I have every desired. My wife is a Physical Therapist her patients depend on her more than my customers do me so I agreed to give it a go in order to presue something I have always dreamed of doing. Plus I get to chill and watch cartoons and eat fruity pebbles everyday again! Another added bonus in between making knives I get to build a fort and sand box! Glad to know I am not the first to try this, thanks for the support and all the great info guys. Looking into becoming a paying member as of now!
 
Plum crazy. I live in pampa and I had my first kiddo march 7th. You need to call me and come to the house. Think I may know you, but not sure lol. I will pm you my number
 
Mike,
Not long ago I was in your shoes. A very proud Pappa of a bouncing baby boy. Get everything you can done in the first 4 to 5 months. I remodeled our kitchen with new cabinets, counters, paint, and replaced all our lenoleum in the house with tile and painted most of the interior in the first 4 months. Today I cant take a leak, sketch a knife idea, or just about anything else without my son trying to sit on my head. We do have alot of fun together but since I got my grinder I'm extremly appreciative of my 7 to 12 o'clock shop time. By the time my wife gets home I usually NEED a break ! You will however have a large amount of time to think about tools materials and knife designs you want to do so that is a bonus.

Good luck in getting your shop together. Our sons will probably be competing for youngest Master Smith ever, LOL.

Josh:D
 
LOl I am pretty sure I do know you. Kayla Minchew that worked at the hospital with your bride is my wife. Come over to Mary Ellen street when you get a chance
 
Small world! Whats up, I swing by tomarrow if your going to be around, I didn't reconize the last name at first but I know exactly who you are now. You drink Corona? If so I'll bring the beer!
 
I'll be around. I've got to go out to work first thing in the morning then I gotta clean the car up quick so a kid from church can use it for prom. After that I'm gonna be doing nothing but working on knives. Never turn down a Corona. See ya tomorrow
 
Works for me, it will be the afternoon before I am free I am wiring up my shop tomarrow morning so I will try to swing by around 2 or 3 see ya then. You're warned I may talk your ear off!
 
Lol kayla will just be glad I'm not talkin her ear off about knives. She took my son back home for a bridal shower this weekend. If it wasn't for that I'd have him learnin to grind its nevr too early right?
 
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