Rj Martin All CNC Flipper

jimmer_5 said:
I would love to ask any of these individuals if they :

1. Can create a model of the knife in Solidworks, Pro E, Alias, Catia, etc.

Yes.

2. Purchase, Program, and operate a 3-5 axis CNC mill

[No to purchase, yes to program and operate a 3-5 axis CNC mill.[/b]

3. Understand tolerances and precision machining

Yes.

4. Can source raw materials

Yes.

5. Understand even the most basic aspects of fit and finishing. Even CNC machined parts require clean-up work.

Yes, I understand and realize that to one extent or another, there will be finishing work required.

6. Have ever worked on an assembly line. Even assembly requires knowledge and skill. Plus, if the parts aren't properly toleranced, or the assembler lacks the necessary skills, the knife will never work right.

I have never worked on an assembly line, but I have assembled lots of things in my life. I used to make my own electronic equipment, including the chassis for the amplifiers and the enclosures for the loudspeakers. I also designed and built my own circuit boards and power supplies. I realize that it is different work, but I think I could get the hang of it.


The list goes on and on. Just operating a CNC mill properly is a skill. Hell, working a manually operated Bridgeport is a skill. My point? Even if RJ's knives were produced 100% with CNC operations, it woudl require an extremely skilled individual to make them work. The bottom line is that CNC machining can do some amazing stuff, but the hand work involved is where the magic happens.
Click to expand...

Operating and programing a CNC machine is a skill, and I have no doubt that RJ puts a large amount of effort into doing the finishing work on his knives. He is obviously a very skilled knifemaker.

Integrating CNC technology is just another way to make knives. There are definite advantages to using these machines.
 
I debated for a while whether to just let this issue drop or go ahead with my post. I'm glad I posted. I can tell by many of the responses here that the wheels are turning, and, that is exactly what I hoped for.

Mastering any skill or method is a worthy endeavor, and should be respected. I did not always use a CNC to make parts for my knives. I made probably 400-500 knives "the traditional way". I profiled the blades, flattened the stock, ground and mirror finished the bevels, pinned and soldered the bolsters, contoured the scales, etc. I even made a heck of a leather sheath. Knowing how to do all those things really helped when I got my CNC. How can one expect to program and machine a part that he can't make himself?

Having a CNC is a tremendous asset. Being able to profile frames, and drill accurate holes time after time is absolutely essential. Of course, it can all be accomplished in other, manual ways, by making drill fixtures and profile patterns, for example, but there is not the same degree of flexibility/adaptability with these traditional approaches that there is with CNC.
This is where the CNC excells. You can tweak it, or change it, until you get it right.

Believe it or not, all the hand contouring on the Q-36 is easier to do by hand than on the CNC. This has to do with a lot of issues, like fixturing, indexing, etc. Mostly, it has to do with experience.

Never underestimate the skill of the craftsman. He may get tired, and, he may make mistakes, But, he can think and solve problems on the fly, and there is no CNC that can do those things.

I like Keith's use of the term "integration". Combine the new with the old, in a way that makes sense.

Stay Sharp,

RJ Martin
 
Now that's informative! Thank you for the entertainment too!

This post is now the little picture in my mental dictionary that goes with "Full Disclosure." How much happier would I be if makers generally had something analagous to this on their websites? Much!

DD
 
An even funnier thought, is that lots of people would probably buy R.J.'s folder just as it is. ;) :) (heck, I might!) :)
 
rj-of coursei have heard of your wnderful knives before but i don't really collect folders and don't know much about them......i don't know much about cnc machining either......i appreciate your post and it did get my wheels turning......i really appreciate you laying out all the steps.....i really didn't know there was that much finishing work involved and i have a new appreciation for such knives......maybe some of those cnc haters will get the point too.....thanks for your thoughts.....ryan
 
Very informative post RJ! Keep up the great work!!! :thumbup:

RJCollectionBlades1.jpg
 
Very well put RJ! As I said before. I like all kinds of knives. Made all kinds of ways.

What impresses me about your work is that not only have you embraced new tech. You have a very well founded understanding of what a knife is supposed to be. I wish a lot more makers would strive for the contoured finish you achieve. Too many are rectangular blocks with an uninspired blade stuck between them.

On a side note. I rec'd a set of thick aluminum plates and have been playing with the plate quench. yeah I know I had my doubts since I mostly make blades with very tapered tangs and deep hollow grinds. I was worried that It wouldn't be able to leach the heat out evenly at all. Well so far I am IMPRESSED!!!

Thanks for your suggestions RJ. Mike Lovett
 
This thread was brought to my attention.
So obviously I had to read it.

:thumbup::thumbup: for RJ.Martin and his work.

When I think about it, isn't it all relative?

Getting from point A to point B is all in a days work.
 
Ha ha.... great post RJ. :thumbup:

My 4 inch Rampage is one knife I will never sell.

I just need a Havoc to go with it!
 
All of the parts for a Glimpse folder come off our cnc, when Todd starts at day one with all the parts sitting in front of him it will then take three-four days to complete that folder. Doing all that extra hand stuff RJ mentioned.....I don't think we are famous enough to get away with selling parts yet...maybe one day!
 
Would anyone here turn down a Kimber Custom Shop 1911? Same story.....parts CNC machined to very tight tolerances and METICULOUSLY hand finished, assembled, tuned, etc.. I don't have a problem with that:D
 
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