Tool advice for a newbie?

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marc88

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May 28, 2013
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Hi everyone, I'm new to making knives/blades and i was curious about what tools i should focus on getting next, I have a bench grinder a dremel and a drill press but thats about it, can anyone tell me what should be the next type of tools for me to get next? (by tools i mean machines, not files and sand paper ect.) ANY suggestion would be very much appreciated, I would also like to thank everyone in advance for their time and help! cheers!

-marc88
 
Read through the sticky threads at the top of this forum. They're highlighted in yellow.
 
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One thing I would get would be an angle grinder with cutoff and grinding wheels. A 4 1/2inch will do just fine.
 
Honestly all you need is a vice, files, wet/dry sandpaper ~100-800 grit. I'm on my first knife and haven't been held back by the tools, only inexperience.

A nice flat bastard file and a couple sizes of round and half round come in handy for curves
 
Both very expensive but---- A good variable speed belt grinder, and a variable reversing
9" disc. Now we're gonna make some knives!
Ken.
 
Thanks Ken that's what i was looking for, I already have files and sandpaper ect. Thanks to everyone else for their advice as well! cheers!
-marc
 
A grinder is a real must if you are going to make some knives, you can file if you don't have the $$ but I think the first purchase needs to be a grinder. Do a search, there are a lot of discussions about grinders and cost
 
I have an 8" bench grinder, if that is what you mean Patrick, If there is another type of important grinder either then a belt grinder? (Forgot to mention i also have an angled grinder) Thanks again everyone for their help and advice on the matter!
 
marc88 said:
I have an 8" bench grinder, if that is what you mean Patrick, If there is another type of important grinder either then a belt grinder? (Forgot to mention i also have an angled grinder) Thanks again everyone for their help and advice on the matter!
Click to expand...



12345678910 said:
Seriously - See the grinders section

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...making-my-first-knife?p=12324104#post12324104
Click to expand...


The Craftsman is a good starter belt sander
hard wheel bench grinder are next to useless
 
If I had to do it over again, I'd save up from the getgo for a decent variable speed 2x72 belt grinder. The Craftsman is a good start though, if you're not sure you're going to stick with it.
 
If you are seriously limited by your budget get a Craftsman 2x42 then make and sell a few knives so that you can afford a 2x72 belt sander. Put a buffing wheel, paper wheels, or wire wheel on that bench grinder.
 
If your budget is really limited, Harbor Freight has a cheap 1x30 belt sander that works just fine for grinding bevels. I would finish the full flat grind with a file though. I seem to get more a convex grind with that setup, but the file straightens it out pretty quick. As for buffing wheels and paper wheels, you can always setup your drill press with those attachments, but your drill press should be variable speed to avoid too high of RPMs that will just throw stuff everywhere.
 
I would avoid the HF 1x30, personally. I went through 3 different ones that just didn't work. Couldn't get them to track right, or really run at all. The quality is so hit or miss (mostly miss in my case), that I didn't feel it was worth the hassle.
 
Some tools that are ABSOLUTELY needed are protection tools, A heavy apron, face shield, and respirator are the main needed equipment. Believe me, accidents do happen, so make your protection a priority. ...Teddy
 
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