Here we go boys. Desktop waterjet cutting. Only 4K

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
I completely agree, but what is the cost of your unit, as well as operation/maintenance cost?

As a commercial unit that runs all day, this desk-top machine would be a joke. But as a one-off unit for a hobby smith, ten times the cut time for a tiny fraction of the initial cost and operational cost ( not to mention the ability to fit in a small shop) isn't a bad tradeoff - as long as the end product is an acceptable blank.

I want to read more and check some real world reviews after they get the first few mods done. In the beginning most devices have problems that need to be addressed.




Has anyone got a link to the internet post about the "Red Neck" waterjet cutter that was made from a big gas engine powered power washer and some jury rigged parts to feed the grit. IIRC, he used sandblasting media for the abrasive. I saw it a few years ago, but the old link went dead.
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True, the main issue I see right off the bat is a manual Z. Bad Idea!!! I have to constantly play with the Z height on the flow while its running for a multitude of reasons. Parts partially dropping out, material springing up while cutting, etc... It is far from a push a button and walk away process referenced earlier. As far as this machine goes with knifemaking, I would only cut folder liners, and handle materials with it. I would not try and cut a 3/16" piece of steel with it, media is way too expensive.
 
In 118min local laser shop can cut for me about 200+ blades from 3mm AEB-L...
And I pay 3$ per blade...
5$ for waterjet cutting a Gryphon in 4mm M390..
 
The post about half way down by Waterjet says: September 12, 2016 at 3:41 pm puts a real life perspective on the desktop... "IF" he's legit. AND it sounds like he knows what he's talking about.
 
It costs a little more over here, but you shouldn't ever be paying more than $10 a blade from what I have seen. The one time that I used water jet, I think that I paid $9 per blade for 24 blades.
Kosa_PL said:
In 118min local laser shop can cut for me about 200+ blades from 3mm AEB-L...
And I pay 3$ per blade...
5$ for waterjet cutting a Gryphon in 4mm M390..
Click to expand...
 
This is very cool. But for knifemaking?

My reaction to this was that it would be ideal for one-off complicated parts, or very small runs. It doesn't solve a problem *I* actually have, which would be to run a large batch (two dozen+) identical pieces in a reasonable timeframe OR with near-zero input (outsource to a pro).
 
Interesting, but too expensive for me right now. I can see where I'd love to have it, if it works that is. One of the things I hate the most is time spent at the bandsaw, this would eliminate that. Also, if it does cut 1/4", but not square, it'd still be an easy matter to true up on the grinder, which is something I have to do after cutting with a bandsaw as well. Also like the idea of just turning it on and doing something else while it cuts blanks out. Reminds me of a one off action rod I did for an old autoloader rifle, the action rod had broken and there are no replacements anywhere, so I made one from O-1. OK for a one off, but with the water jet I could do a batch of say 20 and sell to the supplier. I'm not a huge fan of stock removal, but if I could produce blanks without having to use time to cut them out it'd free up more time to hammer out fun stuff. I'll keep an eye on this, but for now it's out of my range
 
Will52100 said:
Also, if it does cut 1/4", but not square, it'd still be an easy matter to true up on the grinder, which is something I have to do after cutting with a bandsaw as well.
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Even my 100k$ Water jet has taper. I can minimize it using good feed and speed but there is still some there to deal with. I have payed for the best cut quality from waterjet shops before and they had way more taper than I currently produce on my machine. Sucks to eventually find out you payed for the best but received sub par.
 
Yeah, some water jet guys have a strange definition of "zero kerf" At least you and a couple of others are up front about it and said "minimized kerf"
Kevin Powers said:
Even my 100k$ Water jet has taper. I can minimize it using good feed and speed but there is still some there to deal with. I have payed for the best cut quality from waterjet shops before and they had way more taper than I currently produce on my machine. Sucks to eventually find out you payed for the best but received sub par.
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jdm61 said:
Yeah, some water jet guys have a strange definition of "zero kerf" At least you and a couple of others are up front about it and said "minimized kerf"
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Zero kerf can be obtained, especially with a dynamic head. It can also be obtained on really thin materials with a standard water jet. I have yet to see a cut with zero taper with my machine. I have seen less than a degree, but thats not zero.
I will say that I am not a professional Water jet operator. I am a welding professor that happens to have a water jet.
 
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