Shop Set Up Questions

J

Jmurman

Joined
Dec 16, 2006
Messages
53
Sorry for the duplicate post.

I am a few years away from retirement and have been interested in making knives for some time.

What would a well equipped shop consist of?

Are there any good books...industry standard "Bible" types that would help me get started?
 
hello sir
not knowing your background. i would sugest that you pick up as many books on the subject as you can. THE 50$ dollar KNife SHOP. is a great place to start as it covers many of the basics and shows the use of hand tools. that way you can decide if you like the hobby with out dumping a lot of money into a shop and then hating yourself for it.
 
Equipment:

KMG with flat platen and 10" wheel. + Small wheel attachment. Variable speed motor is nice (or step pulleys for a cheaper alternative). Beaumontmetalworks.com

Evenheat or Paragon kiln. (Jantz Supply.)

Drill press/ milling machine, Metal/ Wood cutting Bandsaw (Harborfreight is a good source).

6" Bench Vice.

Hole punch, drill bits, hammer.

Belts: 60, 80, 120, 220, 320 grits. (Try Trugrit)

Materials:

Start with O1, makes a damn good knife. (Flatground.com has excellent prices).

Micarta, Paracord, 1/4" steel/ brass tubing, pins, etc. (for handles: Jantz supply and ebay respectively).

Sheath options: leather or kydex (kydex is easier). There are a couple of tutorials on this forum.

Hope this helps!

P.S. "How to make knives" by Loveless & Barney is a classic and what got me into this.
 
opps accidentally hit the post button...

as far as expense. you can go as glamorous or as low tech as you want. i started out with a 30 dollar bench grinder and some files and as time has passed have acquired bigger and better (read more expensive) tools.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=387503
the link above will give you hours of reading on the subject. some makers have full machine shops withe CNC, mills , lathes, plasma cutters and more. But let me stress this is not needed when you start out. all those tools do is let you mess up at a much faster rate :> . In my opinion its best to learn the basics using hand tools. and from there progress to bigger and better things. i am a nooby at this hobby but if i can be any help just PM me or email.
peace bother
doc silas
 
I would add 36 grit belts to the list, small wheel attachment for the KMG and a caliper with hardened jaws. Thats what I use to scribe all my centerlines. Dont waste money on a centerline scriber or a hand held sewing awl with the thread attached to it.

Kydex is easier but learning leather to me gives you an edge on versatility. Just my .02 cents. Wahtever you do. Start off small and grow........
 
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