Newbies Plan! Whadda ya think?

W

Wyatt32

Joined
Jun 19, 2007
Messages
78
Hello, I have been looking and reading on this and other forums for
some time now and I think 've come up with a descent plan to jump
into knifemaking.
At first I planned on getting a small 1x42 grinder(little underpowered), but after alot reading I was almost convinced to get a grizzly.(good price and power, but not exactly what I want) I like it lot but it seems almost everyone loves the kmg.(expensive, yes) Then I read about TMICKLEY's no weld grinder. Urecka! Buy 4x6 metal cutting bandsaw and heavy duty benchtop drill from grizzly. Use them to build the no weld grinder and BAM! you have three major knife making tools for under $1000.
I know there is alot of more things needed for a good shop but I beleive with those three major items its a pretty good start.
The knives i want to make will have flat grinds and be between 5/32" and 1/4" thick and 6 1/2" to 9" long. I also want to try linerlock folders.

Any suggestions or comments are welcome. So let me hear what you think.

Thanks, Wyatt:D
 
i like the no weld grinder plans and may have to put one together to sit near my KMG

maybe then call it odd job ;) and have it do all the strange set up and jig knife stuff im thinking about
but yes that sounds like a great plan i started on a 4x36 then moved and spent much time on a 1x42 now with the KMG its like a dream the grinding is great worth every cent (even if i got mine used and great price )
 
Thanks Butch. I really like your knives, and it was one of your posts about stalling your 1x42 grinder that made me feel that I should try to get something bigger. Of course I won't get the satisfaction or sense of acomplishment moving up to a bigger grinder. As a matter of fact I can't accuse my falts on the equipment if(who am I kidding) no when i screw up. But thanks to you and others for sharing your wisdom and experiences I hope I can have an accelerated learning curve.
I really want to take some of the classes offered in NC Custom Knifemakers Guild. Their
classes seem to be very reasonably priced and not to far away.


Thanks for the comments, Wyatt
 
remember in tools some times in the long run (your in for the long run right ) good tools last longer and work better (even if they cost more)

if you know you ll be in the knife making or making of somethign that needs a grinder build or by your self a KMG (deker made his himself ) as soon as you can or whatch for a good deal on a used one. sadly some knife makers have to sell off stuff due to hardship or wives sell fro them after the maker has passed adn met his maker
 
I have given the recommedation here lately to "save your money". I must remit that...you get whatever you need to make knives now...regardless. I started out with a $99 Craftsman 4X36...move on to a Kalamazoo 2X48, a 6X36 and ultimately a 2X72 (variable speed Hard Core). Has my quality improved? You bet! But did I enjoy knifemaking more? Probably not...do with whatcha got!

Like the old saying goes..."Dance with what you brought to the prom."...bottom line. You can make a knife with a file if you want...just make knives!

Craig
 
I strongly agree with you. If the value is there I don't mind paying a good price.
I also like to build things and take pride in craftsmanship. The other thing I strongly beleive in is the right tool for the job. You can make almost anything work but the right tool makes it easier on you. I know the KMG is the cats pajamas but for starting out I think the no weld grinder will be a very good tool, and I get to make it. I think thats cool.


Thanks again, Wyatt
 
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