Speeding Up The Process

firebert

firebert

Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Messages
608
I'm very new to knife making, but I have enjoyed it a lot so far. I think it's time to invest in my first piece of knifemaking-specific equipment. Up until now, I have been using woodworking equipment (drill press, spindle sander, cheapo 4x36 belt sander), and hand tools (hacksaw, files, sandpaper). The whole process is agonizingly slow, especially putting in the bevels. It takes me weeks to finish a single blade.

I think I'm going to stick with stock removal on air-hardened steels until I perfect that. I don't even want to think about forging for a long while. I most enjoy making kitchen cutlery with flat grinds (no hollow grinds yet).

I'm wondering what piece of equipment would help the most for efficiently putting in bevels. I'm looking for something cost-effective and versatile. It would be nice if I could use it to make my jewelry boxes too.

I am considering various grinders and belt sanders (2x72?). What do you guys use and recommend?

Phillip
 
If you can afford a Bader or KMG, they are the best out there for the money, in my opinion. The Coote grinder is well built and more affordable, but it won't have all of the options that the two above do.

Those are the best value plays, in my opinion. You can spend less on something like a Grizzly or you can spend more on a Burr-King etc.
 
A quality 2 X 72" grinder is without a doubt the best bang for the buck. I have two of them in my shop, and they can be used for just about any material that can be ground or sanded. Without a doubt, they are the most used pieces of equipment I own.

I personally like the KMG because of past experiences, and because of it's simplicity and durability.
 
+1 for a 2X72" grinder. It's the most used piece of equipment in my shop and I use if for almost every project I get myself into, knives or anything else.

I have a Grizzly, and though it works, it really slows down the learning curve as it runs too fast for good control. However, if you can grind on a Grizzly, the saying is you can grind on anything. I would absolutely recommned a KMG (or any other high end grinder) over the cheaper options like the Grizzly. Get the best thing you can afford.

--nathan
 
I was in your shoes for a long time (similar tools, process, etc.)... I just got my Coote 2x72 w/ 10" wheel last night :D I haven't got the stand done for it yet, but I'm hoping to be able to fire it up this weekend. Norm Coote is great to work with and very helpful. While I agree that it isn't as versitle as a KMG or similar grinder, it does seem very well made and offers quite a lot for the money.

-Mark
 
I have been using a coote 2x72 w 10" wheel for about a year. Great machine for the price. I have the three step pully for speed control and the optional ceramic platten. Which lets you start out slower than some of the other low cost machines, I use top speed almost always now, just not patient enough to remove metal slowly. Flat grinding is great on a coote, the pully gets in the way on the left side making hollow grinding difficult. I am thinking about changing to a smaller pully to get some room.

filing a bevel should not take that long, I would check your files and make sure the have a good agressive draw file. I could rough file a blade in about an hour. Even after I got the coote I filed some bevels so I could get them right. I now just use the coote but it takes practice to get the bevels right. You cant go wrong in getting any 2 x 72 with the choice of belts you will use it for alot of things.

Air hardening steel is a good choice sence you can make closer to final thickness before ht and the plate quench.
 
2"X72" Grinder, I use a KMG, had a Craftsman 2"X42" before that and it was OK but the KMG has some handy attachments, more power and a 3 speed pulley, after the grinder a band saw was my second best investment.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top