Looking to start dabbling in knifemaking

Kitten Party

Kitten Party

Joined
Jun 9, 2014
Messages
1,125
Hi all, I have been contemplating starting to make some fixed blades for a while now and have been creeping in this subforum quite a bit as well as devouring all the youtube videos and reddit knifemaking info I can in my spare time.
I've checked out the standard reply and got a lot of good information off that and am really amazed by the wealth of knowledge being given out freely around here.

I already have lots of standard tools in the garage including a drill press and a 4x36 1/4HP sander, lots of hardwood, various files, etc. I was hoping to at least give the sander a try since I already own it, but the more I look into it it seems like people say that they just arent viable at all being so underpowered and difficult to create plunge lines with. I have some AEB-L and 1084 on the way and was going to do some stock removal work with that, just real basic 6-9" drop points with hardwood pinned handles so I guess I will see for myself if that sander works at all. I was looking at the grizzly 2x72 and If I sell off a good portion of my knife collection I could purchase it along with an assortment of belts...IDK guess I'm just thinking out loud lol...

So this is more of an introduction I suppose as I'm sure I will be asking lots of questions here soon :D I think I might throw up some drawing in the next day or so for some feedback. I want to start as basic and easy as possible. I'll update this thread with any questions i may have for the time being as to not clutter up the subforum.
 
"looking to start dabbling in knifemaking". - three months later..." Anyone know a good divorce attorney?"
 
Welcome even if the time is a bit off.
That 4 X 36 can be used. It just makes the doing more challenging. I started off with one of those years ago. It would raise 90 degrees and as well I did get a larger motor for it. I was barely starting out so was it good or bad. Maybe fine for the operator's abilities of that time.
Frank
 
For what the Grizzly costs, you might look at a Polar Bear Forge Sling grinder with an IronHorse 3ph motor (or maybe find a used motor even cheaper) and a Chinese VFD. That, or maybe spend a just a LITTLE bit more for an Oregon Blade Maker kit. You'll have a much better machine in the end, and one that's much more adjustable and upgradeable.
 
Frank Niro said:
Welcome even if the time is a bit off.
That 4 X 36 can be used. It just makes the doing more challenging. I started off with one of those years ago. It would raise 90 degrees and as well I did get a larger motor for it. I was barely starting out so was it good or bad. Maybe fine for the operator's abilities of that time.
Frank
Click to expand...

good to hear its at least possible. We will see soon :)

knife to a gunfight said:
For what the Grizzly costs, you might look at a Polar Bear Forge Sling grinder with an IronHorse 3ph motor (or maybe find a used motor even cheaper) and a Chinese VFD. That, or maybe spend a just a LITTLE bit more for an Oregon Blade Maker kit. You'll have a much better machine in the end, and one that's much more adjustable and upgradeable.
Click to expand...

Ill certainly look into those, thanks for the info
 
I've been using my 4x36 for the past year. It works but shows how much it's lacking during clean up after forging. I can get decent grinds with it (only because I don't know any better). I'm getting close to building my own grinder.

It's definitely worth using to get started, then sell it for $100 to add to the grinder funds!


Sent via telegraph with the same fingers I use to sip whiskey.
 
I would suggest that if you want a decent start up grinder that will last you through the hobby get a LB1000 by Wilmont Grinders. They have different packages for pricing, I personally went with the fully built one for $1k. Seriously worth every penny, ofcourse that's a nice chunk of change, but in terms of professional grinders goes that's about the only one through my research that hits the nail for it's fairly affordable price set. If your serious about your hobby, and you want a grinder that will not make you hate the purchase the LB1000 is on the approved list.

It has no VFD standard, but you can purchase one separately. So far I could see use for a VFD, but have not actually NEEDED one in my opinion. Goodluck & Welcome to the club!
 
Athenas Edge said:
I would suggest that if you want a decent start up grinder that will last you through the hobby get a LB1000 by Wilmont Grinders. They have different packages for pricing, I personally went with the fully built one for $1k. Seriously worth every penny, ofcourse that's a nice chunk of change, but in terms of professional grinders goes that's about the only one through my research that hits the nail for it's fairly affordable price set. If your serious about your hobby, and you want a grinder that will not make you hate the purchase the LB1000 is on the approved list.

It has no VFD standard, but you can purchase one separately. So far I could see use for a VFD, but have not actually NEEDED one in my opinion. Goodluck & Welcome to the club!
Click to expand...

i looked into those and I think I could stretch the budget but they are all sold out :(
 
I think I might purchase the grizzly...I would like to get quality but it seems as though its really the only sub 1k option unless your willing to spend a lot of time buying all the parts individually and devout a good deal of your time to manufacturing one. Please correct me if im wrong but my time is also valuable so that is also part of the equation. If somebody is compelled to talk me out of it though I would welcome that. I looked into the oregan blade maker and that is the same price as the grizzly for just the chassis after shipping...Hmmmmm
 
You could build a No Weld Grinder from USAKnifemaker for $500 +/- depending on the motor and where you source the wheels. You would get a lot of practice drilling out holes- you'll be a pro when it comes time to drill out the tang in your knives :D Joking aside, the NWG is a good grinder and has treated me well. Most of the parts can be found on USAKnifemakers website or can be sourced elsewheere if you're willing to do a bit of digging. Just my $.02.

-Tanner
 
xXBackyardCrafterXx said:
You could build a No Weld Grinder from USAKnifemaker for $500 +/- depending on the motor and where you source the wheels. You would get a lot of practice drilling out holes- you'll be a pro when it comes time to drill out the tang in your knives :D Joking aside, the NWG is a good grinder and has treated me well. Most of the parts can be found on USAKnifemakers website or can be sourced elsewheere if you're willing to do a bit of digging. Just my $.02.

-Tanner
Click to expand...

I'll look into it. It's a bit intimidating but I suppose I shouldn't be afraid of work and go for the lazy way out!
 
I am a hobby beginner and am using the 4x36 because I have one. If you add a shim about 1/4" thick or so the exact width of the belt, it makes it easier to get the plunge lines. I am using a piece of snap lock flooring that I had for this. It is flat hard and thin. I suspect that it being wider and underpowered also makes it a bit more forgiving for a beginner. (I've never used a real one so others probably know more...) Good luck!
 
KP,

I started with the Grizzly and still have it. I upgraded eventually to a different machine so now the Grizz sits in the corner of my garage waiting to be converted into a buffer. The Grizz is a good machine and has decent power. The two wheel design does come with drawbacks. The belt is prone to drifting with side loads, like when trying to get the belt into the plunge. Some people have done a modification by adding an additional idler wheel, usually a skateboard wheel, to add stability to the belt. A little searching will turn up that information. Also, the tension spring could benefit from being stronger/stiffer. You will probably want to make a larger work table too. The one that comes with the grinder is laughable. Welcome.
 
Someone posted another new grinder that was solid aluminum construction for about a $1000 in the past month. It looked pretty nice. I can't remember the name though lol. "Something"Tool Company. It might be worth going through the post for the last month.
 
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