Knife Making Equipment

Thor1543

Thor1543

Tory Utt
Joined
Nov 17, 2013
Messages
25
Hello Everyone, I have recently came into about $1,600 to spend on some knife making equipment and I am having trouble deciding how and where I should use it as I am trying to start up a small business selling my knives. The first thing I need to buy is a 2x72 which is causing the majority of my trouble making a decision because a good grind will eat up all my money if not more then I would like to spend. I also need a drill press, belts, and possibly a small heat treat oven. I have a good surplus of materials as I already have been making knives at a shop with some of the equipment I need but will no longer have access to in short time. Some things I do have is a small two-burner propane forge for blacksmithing, anvil, post vice and an assortment of blacksmithing and welding equipment, and an electric pottery kiln I was wondering if I could use for heat treating? the kiln goes well over the needed temp but its accuracy is my issue because it is not digital nor has a pyrometer. The majority of my knives will be made by stock removal until I can find a space to accommodate a forge so a grinder is key. I have used some 2x42 and 2x48s but have also used a veritable speed Bader which is light years better then the others, unfortunately I do not have enough in the bank for one and still need some other things as mentioned. So my biggest question is what is my best bet on a 2x72 and still have some left over for the other things I need? I have been looking at NWG, Pheer PH427, KMG, and GIB, I am not against the idea of fabricating some aspects of a grinder but do not think I am ready to build from the ground up. the *Full NWG Kit* is tempting but I would still need to purchase a motor and by then I am already at $1400 if not more with shipping! Am I missing something on the market or is it possible that you cannot get a versatile 2x72 for less? Also I am not interested in any 2 wheel models such as grizzly or coote. If anyone has any suggestions or even a similar issue please chime in!

Tory
 
KMG w/ platen and pulleys. Scrounge a motor. Buy a drill press. Build some knives, then upgrade to variable speed.
 
I don't think you're missing anything...It seems you can spend $160 for a 2x42 or well over $1000 for a pro machine. Nothing worthwhile in between (at least from what I've read)
 
Do what Jason says.It's pretty much what I did kmg with platen and pulleys and found a great motor brand new on eBay for a great price. No point in putting money into something that will need to be upgraded later I love mine.
 
I'll definitely be watching this thread. I *really* don't want to sell my motorcycle, but can't really afford too many hobbies at once. :(
 
Hey, what area are you in? If you fill in your profile, perhaps used equipment or other makers in your area would come to light...
 
Filling out your profile is the first step. Making your user name your real name would not hurt either ( unless Thor is your real name). In business people will want to call you Mike or Bill ,or whatever your Mom called you.

Starting a business is usually pretty far away for a new maker. Get some tools, make a lot of knives. Sell some in The Exchange and to friends. Do a few knife shows...and if the sales are strong enough think about a business. Selling a few knives here and there won't support any business.
 
Thanks for the comments guys, I am already selling knives, just not as regularly as I would like due to not having the effective equipment slows down the production. I am using the term "business" loosely as to mean the sale of my knives. I would really like to sign up for some shows this season and see how I fair. I have edited my profile to show where i am at and such. The name is Tory by the way. Anyone have any thoughts on using the pottery kiln for heat treat?
 
As far as the kiln, those have been used for knives before, but are far from ideal. If it's front loading, it's easily workable. Top loading, not so much. Auberins sells the PID's and thermocouples to convert to digital control, but I wouldn't waste time converting a top loading kiln, IMO.
 
Keep checking eBay and Craig's list I saw a Wilton square wheel on there a few months back for $600.00.
I could help you out with the grinder but shipping would be a killer.
You may have said but what do you have now. I've seen plenty of knives made on a HF 1 x 30 or sears 2x42 sell a few knives and buy what you want.
 
You can go very far with a 2x72 and $120 spent for a drill press on CL. If you are willing to outsource your HT for awhile you should be good to go on that budget.

I would love to see some pics of your work.
 
Jim, Thanks. I have been working on a baldor 2x48 with a 1.5hp motor single speed at the shop I was at but I found it to be quite fast and was limited to the grinds due to the motor getting in the way. thought of buying a craftsman 2x42 to save for now sounds good but I figure it will be too fast for some applications likewise with the grizzly. I was working on a trick-tools 2x36 attachment to a wheel grinder but that was worse then the 2x48.
 
The KMG with platen and pulleys that Jason recommended is the cheapest way into a good knife grinder.
CL for a drill press and outsourcing your heat treat until you make enough to buy a good oven.
 
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