Rules of thumb

J.Marsillo

J.Marsillo

Joined
Nov 8, 2000
Messages
1,255
Every trade has them,Ironworkers rules of thumb are pretty obvious IE: dont stand under the load :rolleyes: Dont look at the welding arc :D Stay to the right and you cant go wrong.

If any what are the general rules of thumb for knifemaking.
 
valimas said:
Every trade has them,Ironworkers rules of thumb are pretty obvious IE: dont stand under the load :rolleyes: Dont look at the welding arc :D Stay to the right and you cant go wrong.

If any what are the general rules of thumb for knifemaking.
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Never wear gloves when using a grinder, Always wear hearing and eye protection, Don't use mystery metal, and most importantly, Always put lots of ice in the diet coke!
 
Ventilation! Respirator! Light! The buffer is the most dangerous tool you own. Use sharp drill bits. Belts are cheaper than time. Expensive belts are cheaper than cheap belts. Variable speed! You can't have too much handle material or steel. Test!

:D
 
These fine folks beat me to it, but here are mine:

#1) That dang buffer can kill ya if you are not careful.

#2) Don't be cheap and try to get $5 worth of grinding out of a $2.50 belt. When it wears down, throw it away, as you are just creating additional work for yourself, and you will end up burning steel or handle material.

#3) Its OK to be your own worst critic when assessing your work....take the extra time to make your knife as perfect as you can make it, because once it is gone and in someone else's posession, it will be under constant scrutiny from anyone who handles it. Constantly strive to make your work the best you can....don't ever let a knife go that is not your best work. We all make a knife now and then that just does not measure up....keep it...don't even give it away.

#4) Don't loose your temper and throw things at the buffer when it is running.

I'll think of a few more later on..
 
1)The pointed end goes opposite the handle.
2)Try not to grab the red end when forging.
3)Wear proper respirator at ALL times when grinding ,sanding,and polishing!

Most of us sort of stick to #1 and 2.
#3 should be the most important rule.
 
If you're getting tired, frustrated, or losing focus, call it a day. It takes a fraction of a second to make a big mistake on a project. It takes much, much longer than that to fix it.
 
Use good ventalation for the forge, coal, charcoal or propane. All can do serious damage.

Buffer will kill you fast and it will kill you slow, use proper precautions and wear the resparator
 
gregrobinson said:
If you're getting tired, frustrated, or losing focus, call it a day. It takes a fraction of a second to make a big mistake on a project. It takes much, much longer than that to fix it.
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It takes even longer to recover from an out of focus accident.
 
First of all, I'm not a bladesmith. But I have customized and built solid-body electric guitars for myself and friends for over 15 years. I've also cobbled together a couple of knives from kits that have served me well. I think the concepts and skills involved are parallel, although the materials and end-use are quite different.

godogs57 said:
#3) Its OK to be your own worst critic when assessing your work....take the extra time to make your knife as perfect as you can make it.
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That is absolutely true! "Custom" work means going the extra mile on details, and tweaking each little dimension, option or material to suit you or your customer's needs. That's why people pay more for a custom item, and why luthiers, gunsmiths, cabinet-makers, knifemakers, etc. can earn a living.Flatten flats, roll or sharpen corners as the need dictates, remove any evidence of imperfections in materials.

Craftsmanship requires experience, skill and talent. I've built guitars that "casual" observers think are perfect, but I know where the little tiny flaws are, and I've learned from every mistake. FIT and FINISH count for a lot in any kind of serious tool/insturment. I'm not a snob for a "perfect" mirror polish, but I turn my nose up at a sloppy guard or a handle that feels off-balance.

gregrobinson said:
If you're getting tired, frustrated, or losing focus, call it a day.
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This statement is equally true, if for no other reason than your own safety! I have a very noticeable scar on my left thumb that is the direct result of my own inattention. Please learn from my dumb-ass-ness!

On a simliar note, I would like to add that sometimes you have to step back and just plain STOP working on a project. It's easy to get caught up in details that might be cool, and lose sight of the overall design. Too many "bells and whistles" will only drive costs up, make the piece too specific to appeal to a general user, and might end up making a good design look like an over-wrought piece of "trendy" BS.

So, I feel that common sense and reminding yourself to stick to the basics (and execute the 'basics' as expertly as you possibly can) is a good addition to this checklist.
 
most of them have been said by the other guys. one big one to add is. If someone walks into the shop and starts talking to me while I am on the band saw or a grinder I smile without taking my eyes off what I am doing. shut off the machine. and wait till it has stopped before I look at them to awnser the question. a 36grit belt running at half speed on my hardcore grinder would be like letting your knuckles drag on the asphaft out a car door at about 65 miles an hour. you would have bloodly stumps in no time.
 
Most Important Rule of Thumb:

NEVER DRINK TEQUILA WITH INDIAN GEORGE REBELLO! :barf:
 
Under the load ? We had a death in the steel mill because he didn't follow that rule !! Accidents are much more likely when you are tired or distracted .A woodworker here locks the door when operating power tools ! Don't get emotionally attached to grinding belts -replace when worn ! Keep tools sharp.
 
A guy up the road from me cut is whole hand off with a wood cutting band saw. He put his hand on ice and drove himself to the local store where they called for help. They reattached it but then cut it back off a few months later due to complications. A hand is a terrible thing to lose.
 
mete said:
A woodworker here locks the door when operating power tools !
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Good idea. I used to work in a cabinet shop, and the dickhead manager (classic case: he knew f**K-all about carpentry, but married the owner's daughter) would let his wife and kids wander around the shop. He thought I was a lazy jerk because when the "civilians" came in, all power tools got shut down and I refused to work on anything till his damn rugrats were gone.
 
1. Never understimate how much flesh a sharp 60 grit belt can take off in one second.
2. Buffers: Soft and moving fast + Sharp and stationary=potential for sharp and moving fast
3. Never let your grind bucket so dirty that you are unwilling to reach into it and retrieve something you drop
4. Last minute changes=Multiple hours of cleanup 90% of the time. Plan ahead and stick to the plan.
 
TikTock said:
1. Never understimate how much flesh a sharp 60 grit belt can take off in one second.
2. Buffers: Soft and moving fast + Sharp and stationary=potential for sharp and moving fast
3. Never reach into IG's slack tub because he pees in it :barf:
4. Last minute changes=Multiple hours of cleanup 90% of the time. Plan ahead and stick to the plan.
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Dude that's sick :D
 
Always wear gloves when grinding with coarse belts. Leather is easier to replace than skin or flesh!!
 
Righties use the right side of the vise when using a hacksaw to cut stuff, and lefties use the left side of the vise... ask me how I know!



Also, no watching fat people play volleyball for at least an hour after eating!:barf: :D
 
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