Setting up shop with a $1000(updated with dust collector I built and another light)

Well I'm heading to KMS today to see if they actually have the grinder/sander you speak of there... will let you know what I think.

My question with the kalamazoo is where would one find 2x48 belts in BC?
 
I have seen many a great knife made on a craftsman 2X42, so the little extra length on the Kalamazoo grinder should be a help. The first thing to do is check to see if you can source belts for it. The 2X72 on the other hand is easy to get belts for, Rob at Knifemaker.ca, also a member here, carries 2X72 belts in a wide selection of grits.

Setting up a budget shop is a bit of a balancing act, I was lucky enough to have been steered in the right direction here so I am sure others will help you too. I would go with the 2X72 myself if I was in your place.
 
wolffbite said:
Well I'm heading to KMS today to see if they actually have the grinder/sander you speak of there... will let you know what I think.

My question with the kalamazoo is where would one find 2x48 belts in BC?
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Tru Grit carries them, but I don't know of a Canadian supplier that would have them in stock. While I was in living in Winnipeg I couldn't even source 2X72 belts locally unless I bought in bulk by the grit. At an average of around $6 per belt and in quantities of 50 per grit there was no way I could afford to do it. About a week before I left I found a place in Winnipeg that would order in Blaze belts in 10 quantities for me, but after shipping they worked out to be more expensive then Rob and had a much longer waiting period.
 
Well I just got back from KMS.. they had the grinder. I do like it, but you would really have to go in and see it for yourself. It is set up to do quick belt changes, has a tool rest, and can be changed from a vertical to horizontal grinder. They also stock 40,80,120,400 and 800 grit belts for it... I'm seriously considering picking it up this weekend and giving it a try.

There is really no way I can make the jump from this to a 2x72 with tuition to pay.. maybe in a couple of years but for now I think this is the best option for me.

Anyways... hope that helps your decision a bit (readily available belt grits is a plus IMO)
 
wolffbite said:
Well I just got back from KMS.. they had the grinder. I do like it, but you would really have to go in and see it for yourself. It is set up to do quick belt changes, has a tool rest, and can be changed from a vertical to horizontal grinder. They also stock 40,80,120,400 and 800 grit belts for it... I'm seriously considering picking it up this weekend and giving it a try.

There is really no way I can make the jump from this to a 2x72 with tuition to pay.. maybe in a couple of years but for now I think this is the best option for me.

Anyways... hope that helps your decision a bit (readily available belt grits is a plus IMO)
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Well that's good to hear , having the belts available in assorted grits and here is definitely a plus and the price is right. I guess I'll head down to KMS to look for myself when I start putting everything together. If you get one let me know what you think of it.
 
For cutting G10 and Micarta I've used a jigsaw with 10-24 TPI blades, go slow and you'll be ok. Total cost of a new Jigsaw and some blades is about $65.
 
Yeah , filing and sanding g-10 and micarta is a lot easier then cutting. I've been using a coping saw from home depot and usually burn out a 4 pack of blades per set of slabs . I've done two pre-shaped blanks with it, that and the dust is so ridiculous in my laundry room / workshop that I spend the rest of the day cleaning the apartment after sanding it . I really like the look of it but I don't think it's a good idea to do it indoors in such a confined space regardless of respirator. I saw a small bandsaw at Canadian tire for $150 , they have drill press their to for around 100. I'm not sure of the quality of mastercraft stuff but at least you can exchange stuff easy enough. I once exchanged a cobalt drill bit that I snapped drilling out my first blank twice in the same day :) .
 
A cheapy drill press should be fine (kms even has a cheaper 5-speed 8" one for 79.99), but the bandsaws at canadian tire are meant for cutting wood only (high FPM). It would probably be more beneficial to get a metal cutting bandsaw to cut blade stock and lightly profile handle slabs. Princessauto has a porta-band for $100... I figure it wouldn't be too difficult to make up a little stand for it to be a table top tool. Might as well get a saw that can handle several different things, and it's cheaper anyways haha

For now I have been using the slowest speed on my scroll saw with high TPI blades to cut my G-10 and stabilized wood... works ok but I'm sure a bandsaw would work a lot better.
 
I'm going to TruGrit tomorrow - so I was looking on their website and noticed they have Scotchbrite belts, gators, and blazes in 2x48. I assume they ship to Canada - I'll ask if you like.
 
Here's a D2 blade from Jantz with some black canvas micarta and red spacer I'm finishing up. The dust was hell .











Once I get my first blade I made back from HT I'll post the start to finish.
 
Tait said:
I'm going to TruGrit tomorrow - so I was looking on their website and noticed they have Scotchbrite belts, gators, and blazes in 2x48. I assume they ship to Canada - I'll ask if you like.
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Sure it would be good to know.
 
With Drill presses is their a big difference between say the princess auto cheapo to a canadian tire mastercraft which is a little more or a home depot ryobi ? Or will they all do the job just as well?
 
Speed is what you need to look for, low speed that is. I think something that drops to around 320rpm would be good, but that number is really off the top of my head. It all comes down to what you are drilling and the size of the bit.

With that said, I run a mastercraft 8" drill press I picked up from a yard sale, it works but the crappy keyless chuck us a headache. It will back off on its own, and can be a bear to get the jaws to close evenly. Someday I will get a real drill press and just use the little one for sheath work. Till then I am thinking of just replacing the chuck.
 
Don't go with Mastercraft. They have good warranties for a reason. They are guaranteed to crap out on you. :rolleyes:
Princess auto would be fine or I'd go with Sears. You can probably find one close in price when they have specials and they also have a good warranty.
I'd suggest a standing drill press. It is nicer to use and one piece of equipment that you'll use all your life even if you don't get the knifemaking bug.
 
I have a little Mastercraft that is pretty good
Just keep the bits small, sharp and feed moderate.
Max 3/8" chuck


If i feed too hard, the table will flex & the motor will stall


I have a larger princess auto model that is pretty good for drilling larger holes with much more power and speed selection-
BUT
when i extend the quill down you can take the chuck and wiggle the quill iin all directions.

I didn't check this until long after i owned it & won't return it.

i just treat it as "self centering"

but will check this in the store next time
 
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Tru Grit does ship to Canada and their prices and selection are as good or better than anyone else. For me their service has been great. I've been doling business with them for more than 15 years.
If the 2 by ? doesn't have a very minimum 1/2hp. I doen't believe it will do a job for you.
That knife looks like a good saleable piece of work. Frank
 
cbr900son said:
Yeah for starters id really try to find a crafstman 2x42, a drill press, wood band saw and portaband saw setup -my harbor freight setup with the pedal switch was 100$

DSC_1015.jpg
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Wow... love that setup.
 
I didn't make it to TruGrit - my mill died so I have to get it fixed first.

But I did call! They said sure they ship to Canada.
 
My grinder/sander will be here next week from KMS. Managed to snag the last one in all of BC... have to wait for it to ship to my local store. Will let you know how it works out for me
 
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