Knifemaking Update #2

Metal-Demon · Dec 13, 2000

Hello again everyone! Now for the next episode in the knifemaking misadventures of your loveable "newbie": Metal-Demon!!

Lesson #1a: Stock removal is not as easy as it sounds. (Lets just leave it at that, okay? I'm sure you're all having a good laugh, imagining me trying to file while really having no inkling as to how to do it properly in the first place. That's okay though, I had a good laugh too - after I calmed down a bit!

)

Tonight at the monthly meeting of the Saskatchewan KnifeMakers Club, each member built an electric-etching machine (for etching logos, designs, and maker names onto finished blades).

I was quite intimidated at the outset of the meeting, but my initial trepidation was all for naught - the construction of the machine was suprisingly simple, fast, and very inexpensive! Of the various types offered, I chose to build a etching machine with a 16 Volt, 1.8 Amp AC Transformer and a 7 Volt DC output with a diode. A bit of wire, some crimping, and a tiny bit of lead solder and ........ voila!

I had alot of fun at the meeting, and was quite suprised (and relieved!) that when we tested my completed unit, how easy to use and effective this little gadget was!

Well, that's it for this update. If you care to leave any filing tips or advice, please do so ....... I still haven't recieved my copy of "The Complete Bladesmith" yet, so I'm using the "trial and error" method. I can tell you that so far, I've completely mastered the "error" portion of this particular technique!

But you know what? I'm having one hell of a good time! Take Care, my fellow blade-lovers!

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"A Szívemben A Vas Es Az Acél Orök Ereje Van."

Crushing the weak since 1970 .... the Demon has spoken.

DC KNIVES · Dec 13, 2000

And you guys wonder why knifemakers don't charge $49.95 for their knives.I for one congradulate Metal-Demon for trying to make a knife.Your are right,it is not that easy,but once it is in your blood you will be hooked like the rest of us.Time to go and get my daily dose of metal dust.enjoy Dave

Paul Work · Dec 13, 2000

What, no bloody knuckles yet? Don't woory. You'll have them soon enough.

Have fun and keep the first aid kit handy....

Paul

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Trust no one...

Metal-Demon · Dec 13, 2000

I've had MORE than my fair share of bloody knuckles Paul ........ just not from knife-making!

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"A Szívemben A Vas Es Az Acél Orök Ereje Van."

Crushing the weak since 1970 .... the Demon has spoken.

Michael Bennett · Dec 13, 2000

MD - great work!

I've got the bug, too. I know how you feel about filing by hand. I'm doing a lot of it, since my homebuilt grinder isn't cutting it. I'm looking for a replacement.

Can you provide details on the etching machine? I'd love to get the scematics, etc.

Mike

Metal-Demon · Dec 14, 2000

Mike .... you have mail.

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"A Szívemben A Vas Es Az Acél Orök Ereje Van."

Crushing the weak since 1970 .... the Demon has spoken.

Brett Bennett · Dec 15, 2000

I could have told you it's harder than it looks...lol. The good part is that you learn something all the time, and that, to me, makes it worth it. Good luck!

Metal-Demon · Dec 15, 2000

I think what frustrates me the most about knife-making is the fact that I'm not able to devote as much time to it as I would like. It's hard to get things going when you've only got an hour or so to do any work on your piece(s).

I find it quite interesting how my new-found "hobby" has become a catalyst to for what can only be described as a major "lifestyle overhaul". My quest to find more and more time to put into knife-making has lead me to begin re-evaluating my life and what I should and shouldn't be doing during my personal free time. Funny ..... knives and knife-making seem to be one of the front runners, and some "trivial" aspects of my life that, up until know, were always thought to be vital - appear to be loosing their importance.

Is this a good thing????

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"A Szívemben A Vas Es Az Acél Orök Ereje Van."

Crushing the weak since 1970 .... the Demon has spoken.

Brit guy · Dec 15, 2000

Hi there Metal Demon

I was interested in your project the etching machine? Well, I rescued one from the College where I work; its not as underhanded as it sounds, they were throwing it out during a major clean up campaign. Its quite a substantial unit, and has settings for auto (timed output) or manual, as well as current control if I remember correctly (its in my workshop roof-space at present). Unfortunately, it came without leads or stencil pads I even considered complaining and taking it back J . The thing that I most need to find out however, is what electrolyte/s to use? I know that the knife suppliers stock it over there, but transporting chemicals can be a problem. If I could find out exactly what they consist of, I could obtain the necessary chemicals here in the UK. Just an idea, but I thought maybe you would know seeing as you actually made an etching unit? Also it would be a nice project to share with others who may wish to have a go at making such a unit.

Soit seems that you have been well and truly bitten by the bug huh? Me too, and I am setting up a workshop with this in mind. I started some 20 years ago, bashing out a few blades using old car leaf springs but since then and now I have had a long abstinence which I plan to put to right in the near future. I presently supplement my income by undertaking small engineering jobs, for example making bolt handles for Pneumatic Rifles, which entails a lot of silver soldering and a heck of a lot of polishing. The best thing though, is the fact that now my wife can actually see money coming from my time spent in my workshop, she is actually encouraging me to be in there even to the point of encouraging me to extend it and by more machinery!!! J
Well, enough said for now, but keep up the good work and watch those knuckles!