New shop pics, Opening for business soon:

Robert_Phelps

Robert_Phelps

Joined
Nov 29, 2005
Messages
475
http://www.phelpsbladeworks.com/about/tour.html

I've still got to put an arbor thing on the little motor for buffing, and buy an etching machine, but that's about it for equipment for now. New shop space only cost me a day to sweep out my dad's old shop and condense his car stuff to one side (carefully, or else:p), and the cost of the new work bench. My old space was like 4 feet of work bench in a walk-in closet sized space, with a one-brick, etc, but I've moved up. Also this week, I'm getting an upgraded membership here. (I figure that's a good bargain for extra name recognition, and to give back to the forum)

The web page is pretty barren right now, but I'll fill the gallery and for sale section after I get my big materials order in. I'm really excited to build a name for myself, though I know it will be slow, and may be a while before I make any kind of good/steady money. I also want to eventually get my forging setup put together and learn to forge things such as spears and halberds. So, that'll be where my spare money goes until I can do so. :thumbup:

-side note: my web master picked the one picture of that knife on the header that showed the little leftover marks near the ricasso I couldn't remove all the way. (someone played with the knife after completion before I could take pictures, and scratched it there. I never could get the scratch lines to disappear under the scale again.)
 
Nice looking shop.Good layout.My only concern would be fire safety since your shop is entirely flammable and it only takes one stray spark to make trouble.At a bear minimum get some sheet steel or welding blankets and try to fire-proof around your grinders.
 
The only grinder that really gets used is the coote, (actually, it hasn't been used yet really either except to play around with) and it has sheet under it, the majority of the sparks going into the little chute. There is a sheet of steel under the paragon as well (It's just rusty and hard to see). I also plan on getting a small extinguisher as well, this week. I'm very fortunate to have what I have now, I'm not going to risk it. :eek:
 
Blue_Dragon said:
I also plan on getting a small extinguisher as well, this week.
Click to expand...

-Bugger that. Get a big extinguisher.

Screw the cheapies you get at K-Mart or some chain auto parts store. Buy a big, full-size, dry-chemical, industrial quality extinguisher.

After that, then pick up a medium-sized CO2 extinguisher.

Then buy a small cheapy, and save it for if/when you have just a small fire.

Unless you live next door to the fire department, the extra few seconds or even minutes a big professional extinguisher can buy you, can easily mean the difference between a controllable fire and a total loss.

Doc.
 
I'd heartily recommend changing over to your real name or the name you plan on using as a knifemaker when you change over to a suscriber.
 
Planned on it, for sure. I'd be working against myself trying to start any kind of reputation if half my work is under a nickname.
 
I only have one comment...your shop is WAY too clean and organized! You need to get a buffer going and throw some black grime all over the place.

Ken
 
One other thing I'd say is to give yourself more space around the bench vice (assuming that's where you're doing final assembly) I have my tools grouped by "messiness" grinder, saw and drill press at one end then clear area and bench vice. My vice has a swiveling magnifying lamp over it to help me inspect fit and finish. Looks great, just too clean.

What part of Georgia you from?
 
Well, when I get my quench plates, I was going to move the drill press to the new bench, and put the quench plates where it was. That would free up a little room there.

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys :thumbup: I'm new to all this fancy shop stuff, so all the input I can get helps.
 
Keep your clean area CLEAN! I cover my area with table cloth when not using it and brush it off and vacum before and after using it. Nothing worse than putting a polished blade down and for it to pick up some grit and then get scratched when you handle it :(
 
Looking good. Did you get my e-mail about getting in touch with the other makers in the area? They will help you out a lot, an awesome bunch of guys.
 
No kiddin' :D

From the playin' around I've done while waiting on my big orders of supplies to come in, that coote can't be stopped compared to that 1x30. (Not that I've ever ground a knife with it, I've always filed) I didn't really lean on the knife or anything (that's stupid), but even with more than reasonable pressure it never slowed any. I should have no problem getting proficient enough with it to get 90% of my shaping done with it now. BTW, does getting a special platen help a lot?

I can't wait to figure out how to turn the paragon on too. (Kidding, but haven't turned it on yet since I haven't had my stuff)

I'm just hanging out in shop everyday now fiending for some stainless to turn sharp and pointy. :o
 
Hey Blue Dragon nice little set up I really like the coote grinder:D
I have used the bader and wilton but I can tell you that for changing
from from hollow grinding to using the flat platian is a breeze compared
to the other two that I have been able to use. I have the 8" wheel
and a varible speed 2 hp motor. I have had mine a little over a month
now. Here is a couple of pics.

100_0393.jpg


100_0394.jpg


I just started on my 14 th knife today and the more I use the coote the more
I like it. Did you get the ceramic platian? and the knife rest? and the sanding disk attachtments? I did and am glad I did it all works pretty darn slick.

Take care
Bryan
 
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