wanna get into knifemaking hardcore maybeq

A

armlessbandit

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ok guys, im making a knife and being taught by someone -who is very experienced, i like making knives and find it very fun, so i was wondering if i wanted to start small ( im in grade 10 and dont have the greatest budget) and thrifty, so i was trying to come up with some essentials
here is what i started with:

Bench grinder with 2 wheels -have it
Half rounded files- dont have but can get- for profiling blade and other things etc.

Sandpaper-what grits?
clamps-have
vise-have
rig to clamp blade onto ( can make easily)

motors, one for good news bad news grinder, or to make a buffing wheel

buffing wheel
buffing compound
steel for blades i read that an old lawnmower blade can work, or a leaf spring
i wont be heat treating my own blades.

also if you suggest the good nerws bad news grinder, or any home made shop things, polease refer where i can get plans, wayne goddards book does not give any plans.

thanks for your time







aaron
 
Contact Rob Frink,He is a good guy to work with,he may be able to help you out,he has some plans for grinders and pictures of homemade
machines.Do a search and you can drop in and take a look at his web site
 
I built mine for $90 but most knifemakers won't go there. Alot of guys who have the money just spend the money. But if u want some ideas click my link and check out my grinder. If anything it may give u some ideas on other things to try.
 
I'm not sure what you have in school in your country. One of our high schools near me has incorperated a knife making class into the standard metal work classes. If you have metal work classes at your school one of the teachers may be able to help you if your hand skill are not yet up to the task. Ring around the other schools if yours does not have metal work. You may find a maker your age.

If your going to start making machinery at home. Well done, however remember safety first. You only get one set of eyes always wear safety glasses or gogles. Your lungs are also very important. Use a dusk mask. If a grinding wheel explodes and your head is in the way
it can kill you. I worked for the government for 10 years with monthly safety meeting. I have seen the results of many accidents. Fingers cut off. A rull of thumb is if it has a safety guard on it leave it on. Don't hold metal in your bare hands when drilling if it catches it can rip your hand off. I am not trying to put you off just warn you. If you can find a maker nearby a few lessons would be worth while.

How are you going to pay for it. Try making a couple of letter opener
and taking them to the local art gallery or tourist shop. Do up a letter to go with them and sell them as a souveneer.

It may not work where you are but it worked for me. I have sold a couple of hundred. Start out with a plain design easy to make. be confident. If you want some designs send me an email reg_ellery@optusnet.com.au But be sure to look at the safety side of thing. That is the equipment you need first. Glasses/gogles, ear muffs, dust mask.

EDIT sorry I re read your message and see you have a teacher. I have seen a belt sander made from second hand bearings angle iron and a contact wheel turned from wood and a strip of rubber around it. It cost only a few dollars looked rough as guts but the guy who built it went on to be the guy who was judging the guild applicants. He sold latter improved machines. I have one of them I paid $750 for it.
Every body starts somewhere and gets as good as they want to be.
 
thanks reg that was really helpful., i like the letter opener ideas :0


i use some safety glasses and a filter mask, and i got some lexan( plexiglass or plastic) and was going to make a heavy duty mask,

our schools do have metal working areas, and knifemaking is extremely prohibited, i remember someone from beal ( the best technological school in our area" he forged a blade and can no longer take any machinist classes again
 
ok guys, im making a knife and being taught by someone -who is very experienced
Click to expand...

Is your teacher a Knifemaker? Most Knifemakers who take on an apprentice will let them use their equipment in trade for some work in and around the shop. If not, I know a lot of kids in my area who invest in a lawnmower and a few garden tools who make a ton of cash to buy new trucks and such.

Bobby Branton
 
i dont think id be an apprentice, hes a real nice guy but he has taught other people ( hes a knifemaker) and are you suggesting i get a job? i have one and i am saving up, but there are other things that also require money.
 
cory, you have a really nice grinder

would it be ok say i made a belt sander, and i had the motor, somehow rig it so it powers botyh a disc, and the belt sdander??????????????


and another thing,,,,, do you know of any plans?
 
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