Need advice on basic machines needed

J

J. MacDonald

Joined
Jun 8, 2000
Messages
3,140
What kind of grinder does one need to start on a knifemaking adventure? How do you cut the outline of a blade? Is a band saw necessary to get started? Are Dremel tools actually useful?

Please advise.

jmx
 
jmx, you don't need a grinder to make knives, you can do it all with files and sandpaper. With that being said, I recommend you do a search here for "grinder" and see what you come up with. There are many threads extolling the virtues of lots of machines, whose prices range from $200 to $2000... One thing to remember is that there will always be a grinder that seems just a little better than what you're using. I have a 1.5hp variable speed, and keep thinking I should've jumped for the 2hp. That's how it goes.

A band saw is not necessary. You can cut major profiles with a hack saw or simply grind the whole profile out -- that's how I used to do it. But I sure appreciate my cheepie HF bandsaw!

Dremel tools are useful for sculpting and filework, wouldn't live without mine.

Good luck making knives! Once you've done it you won't want to quit.

Dave
 
In addition to Dave's advice, I would suggest that a drill press is indispensible and should be one of your first tools.
 
If your Superman suit is out to the cleaners you might want a small forge to warm your nights.
Seriously though, as you start to make knives, you will start to purchase equipment as you find the manual tasks that are too slow or painful. I bought a cheap Taiwan bandsaw first as I found that long sessions with the hacksaw were trying on my patience. A drill press was a close second.
You can do some very nice flat grinds with an old belt sander or files, but I love my Bader! Now I use my files for making guards and cleaning up where my ineptness with the grinder shows most.
Enjoy...Ken
 
The first thing I would get is a drill press. It will eliminate alot of headaches when you go to put on the handles. You will always be adding new tools. Keep your knife designs small and simple. As you get more tools you can make bigger and more complicated knives.:)
 
I should have mentioned, I already have a drill press (solid old Craftsman cast iron bench model I stole at a garage sale for $25.00! All it needed a was new power switch, the guy had even installed a new craftsman motor on it!).

jmx
 
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