Need advice on machinery

A

Azmal

Joined
Jun 23, 2007
Messages
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I've been saving up for a while and still am to expand into making swords and knives and other medieval and fantasy weapons.
I'm looking for some good solid equipment, not the cheapest, or the most expensive. Definitely want to do it right the first time around though.

I've used the Burr King 260-272 and it worked for me so I was decided on that at first, but after mentioning it in a past post, some asked my why not Brand 'X'? I haven't tried others before so I'd love to hear any opinions on other options. I was going for a 1.5 or 2HP with variable speed. Probably around 3K.

I was also looking at getting a baldor buffer, probably 3/4HP which I assume is enough juice for heavy duty polishing. Sound like a good pick?

And I figured I'd snag a 20" lathe (about $750) and one of those $700 band saws from harbor freight since I could drive down to Austin and pick them up any time (No shipping cost). And I figure they'll do the job.

Those are the big purchases I'm looking at for now. I've already got a milling machine and heat treat oven by happenstance.

Any input will be greatly appreciated. Might save me some headaches too if I was about to get some bad items.
 
I really like the JL vertical grinder.. K&G sells them. Very nice machine designed and made by a knifemaker. Also the good ole Wilton Square wheel is hard to beat for a super versatile machine. Thats my .02
 
I don't have any experience with the 700 dollar saws from HF, but the 150 dollar ones work well for what we do. There's a couple guys here that bought JET saws for just a little more money than the high-end HF saws and say they're happy with them.

I mentioned the KMG and Bader before, so I thought I should post a little more about them.

The KMG was built with knife makers in mind and comes very well priced with just about every option you could think of for making knives. A base package grinder without a motor is just under $1000. Even with a motor and variable speed setup, you're under $2000, leaving your extra money to get more wheels, attachments, tools or materials.

Rob Frink is the guy that builds them, here's his website:
http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/

The Bader grinders have been around knife makers for a very long time and I think that if you polled all knifemakers out there today, they Bade would be the most used grinder. The KMG is relatively new and hasn't quite taken over the market, although it's giving the BIII a run for it's money. A variable speed BIII will cost you a couple hundred dollars more from Pop and the accessories that come with it are a little different (no platen, but comes with a small wheel).
James Poplin runs Pop's Knife Supplies: http://www.popsknifesupplies.com/

Pop also sells belts, handle materials, etc. I think he's got some of the best deals going on belts and has some nice deals on handle materials, although it's easier if you can see them in person.

I think the KMG has a leg up in the cost department, especially if you can get your own motor/controller. They are both nice running, reliable machines that I've had experience with, which is why I recommended them in the other post.
 
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