Some Tool Questions

[Munky88]

Ok, so two things here.

Firstly, will this little bandsaw http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/tls/959299733.html be adequate for cutting g10 handles, kydex, an other such things out? Or should i just do it by hand and save for something else.

and I would also like to get an angle grinder. But what size is recommended for knife making? I was thinking a 6 inch grinder would be nice so i could make a jig and use it for helping out with beveling, but that may be too big for more detailed cuts. Is there a rule of thumb to go by here?

 

[deker]

You should be able to cut handle material just fine on a saw like that. From the sound of it you may have some fiddling to do if the blade isn't tracking right. If you plan to cut a lot of G10, etc, spend your money on the blade. G10 is hell on tools. You'd be best off buying a carbide tipped blade.

As for angle grinders, 4 1/2" is the standard size that you should be looking for. One thing I can tell you is not to cheap out on an angle grinder. If you do, all you have is a cheap angle grinder. Spend a little money here and it will serve you very well.

-d

 

[Steven Penner]

the 4.5" angle grinder will do a lot of work.

I have an older model large one and it's heavy as hell.

I often switch back to a smaller one, just for that.

 

[Munky88]

any recommendations on a good angle grinder then?

 

[safta]

I like the Metabo, but most of the major brands are good Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, etc.

 

[Steven Penner]

any recommendations on a good angle grinder then?

I haven't researched them in quite a while.

I have always leaned towards the professional grade brand named tools.
I have learned that the Dewalt you buy in Home Depot is not the same as a Dewalt purchased in a pro tool shop. The long term repair-ability is not there....

But they can be so cheap to buy, you can just have a diffeent grinder for each wheel you like...wire wheel, abrasive disc....

...buy any 4 inch you can buy near you. Make sure you like the switch
(they are doing some funny things for safety now)
Can you buy discs for it in your local stores?

Canadian Tire offers a 3 year warranty on those kinds of tools...hard to beat that...

I have an old 12" all cast aluminum angle grinder older than I am...built like a tank, fixable...should run forever...but dang it's heavy and not as handy as a small one.

I'm not sure brand is that important on an angle grinder...

 

[Ed Caffrey]

You might want to be careful with that saw and G10....I have a craftsman 10" wood bandsaw in the shop, along with my portable Milwaukee that is setup on a stand. A couple of weeks ago, without thinking, I stepped up to the craftsman saw and proceeded to cut some G10 for EBK handles. About 1/2 way through the first cut, I noticed the cut slowing down, and looked under the table....sparks! I was using a brand new carbon steel wood blade that I'd just had made locally.....at that all it would do is "smoke" wood. Nothing but the metal cutting saw for G10 in my shop from now on.

Steve: Once the weather calms down a bit around here, I'll get a pic and post it of how I setup my large angle grinder. I have a pipe suspended horizontally from the rafters of the overhang on the rear of my shop.....it has a ball bearing "block" on the pipe, with a length of chain, and a long spring. I bolted a ring onto the angle grinder and adjusted the length of the chain so I actually have to apply a little down pressure to use it.....sure beats the heck outta holding the weight of the grinder...especially on those long damascus billets.

I personally have a total of 4 angle grinders.... 2- 7" Porter Cables, one Milwaukee 4 1/2", and one Makita 4". I really like the Porter Cable grinders. I lucked into both at a yard sale, brand new, never used, for $10 each! That was over 10 years ago and I've had one rebuilt since, but they are great machines.

 

[Patrickknives]

I agree one using the metal cutting bandsaw for G10, my wood saw just eats blades. Looks like a good buy for alot of things.

I bought two of the harbor freight angle grinders, they really are junk but for <$20 just throw them away, I have used one for a couple of years and still have a backup. No way did I think it would last a year but its still going.

 

[Lynn]

Angle grinders are a much used tool in my shop. 4 or 4 1/2" is the most used. The only thing I would be sure to look for is a trigger switch, not an on/off switch. I want the tool on the work before bringing it to speed, not full speed before I have my hands set on the tool. Safer too.
I'm still looking for a trigger speed control 4 1/2" that is somewhat affordable.
Just what I do,
Lynn