Question on different tools for the workshop

C

Charles Dean

Joined
Feb 3, 2001
Messages
92
I have everything yo forge a blade I just need help for some of the other tools. I plan on making the blades by hand so I dont want to use a grinder for the blade but I want to use one for shaping the handle and other stuff. I was looking at the one at Home Depot for this purpose. It has a 1/4 HP and 115 v. I assume that this is OK for what I want it to do. My next question is what is the difference between a regular bandsaw and a metal cutting bandsaw? Is it just the blade or are there other factors involved? My last question is on a buffer. I have a bench grinder that has the grinding wheel and the wire brush wheel on it. I was thinking that I could take thoes off and put on buffing wheels. It has 1/3 HP and I think it has 3600 RPM. The only problem is that you cant change the speed on it. Could I still use this? I have no need for the way it is now and I really dont want to spend $150 dollars for a buffer. I hope that someone can help me and I'm sure someone can as this is the best place to come to learn to make knives. Everday I learn something new. Thanks everyone.
 
Charles, Metal bansaws run slower than wood bandsaws + different blade. If you get a small belt sander to finish handles on my recomendation would be the 1x42 and as much hp as you can find.

You could rough the handle shape in with a rasp, and then shoe shine the handle with some shop roll of assorted grits. I use shop rolls for the finish grits anyhow.

The grinder would work for a buffer if you put small buffs on it. Be realllll carefule with it, it can hurt you, make sure you don't put the tip of the blade into the buff.
 
Thanks Mike. Do you know where I can get a metal cutting bandsaw for a good price? But will the belt sander I mentioned do the job well with the 1/4 HP it has? Thanks again.
 
many knifemakers that forge also hae belt grinders for cleaning up their knives, remoing scale from billets and many other uses. one of the main tools modern knife makers have is their beltsander, if you have some spare $$$ you should get a nice grinder. just be carefull w/ it.
 
The (nicknamed 4x6) metal bandsaws are everywhere once you start looking and usually run $200 to $270 and are identical in nearly every way except for the paint and logo. Harbor Freight had them on sale recently for around $175 with free shipping. Be aware that they often run out and will back order up to 6 weeks. I was told 4 weeks back order on mine and it came in 2&1/2 weeks. Go figure. You will find these branded as Jet, Delta and several others you probably haven't heard of. They are the same saw so find the best priced one. These take a 64&1/2" blade. Scrap the blade that comes with it and get a 18tpi bi-metal blade from one of the knife supply houses. Lennox or Doall brands come to mind. Either brand will work fine. The bi-metal blades run around $25 to $30.
You can 'get away' with cutting small pieces of wood on the metal saw. You won't be able to cut metal worth a flip with the wood band saw unless you can gear it down to 50 to 200sfpm, which most can't.

Also check the web for the 4x6 metal band saw faq. I'm on the road so I can't send it to you but some one here may have to send you. Or...Look on deja.com in the rec.crafts.metalworking newsgroup. It's there, I just looked. Too long to post here.

Tracy
 
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