What do you use

T

thegeek574

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Sep 3, 2010
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This is for all the knifemakers. what tool do you find yourself using the most? belt sander, spindle sander, bench grinder, bandsaw? which do you find to be the most useful for all-around.
 
Do you mean power tools only, or any tool?

I'm just a newbie, without many of the knife-specific tools that are available these days, but I find myself reaching for my files most often. Single cut, double cut, half round...

As far as power tools go, probably the angle grinder, followed closely by the 4x36 bench sander.
 
I have the most hours on the belt grinder, but if I could only have one power tool I'd keep my drill press and use more files.
 
All around?..... My 2x72 grinder.... because I can make 85% of the knife with it, if I wanted to go that route.

Favorite tool?.... A simple sanding paddle. This is the tool that brings out the best in my blades... final geometry, lines, finish... this piece of kit is easily made, but indispensable.

stropbats.jpg

backingpaddle.jpg
 
For me it would have to be a combination of tools,

Anvil, hammers, tongs, forge and last but not least my 50 Little Giant my 26 ton press gets a lot of work too.
 
Drill press is indispensable IMO, but I spend most of my time on my belt grinder.
CW
 
OK. looks like i will set my sights on the belt sander. 2 questions, though.
#1. Has anyone ever used a spindle sander. it looked interesting.
#2. does anyone have experience with the harbor freight 1x30 belt sander? i will not turn this into a buisness, just making some stuff for around the house.
#3. the answer is pork. what was the question? just for fun :D
 
Wow, I'll be making a sandle paddle today. It looks more efficient than the pine strip/ rubberband combo I've been using.

thegeek574: The Harbor freight 1x30 is not bad. It is excellent at shaping handles (and burning them if the belts are worn) and does ok at metal removal. The platen is not sturdy and most likely wont be square to the belt, so you'll want to make a better one of just deal with it as it. I love mine, when used within it's limitations. I have their 4x32 and it's about useless.
 
I tried using a 30X1 and went back to files. I found it too fast and not wide enough to get a good flat grind. If you can afford it get one of the entry level 72X2 grinders, if not the sears 42X2 has made a lot of nice knives, and has a better belt selection.

The 2 tools I use the most are my files and sanding blocks, I don't think you can get away from either of them as much as you try
 
unky_gumbi said:
The 2 tools I use the most are my files and sanding blocks, I don't think you can get away from either of them as much as you try
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Yup, I think an awful lot of knifemakers do their part to keep the file and sandpaper companies in business. Stimulates the economy y'know ;)
 
A chair with wheels.

I like them so much I bought two. One has 5 wheels and the other has 4. :)
 
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Tai Goo said:
A chair with wheels.

I like them so much I bought two. One has 5 wheels and the other has 4. :)
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Now you're talking Tai. I just bought an adjustable one with wheels at Sears. Like em tall for sitting at my bench. Maybe grinding too. Getting old.:D
 
Tai Goo said:
A chair with wheels.

I like them so much I bought two. One has 5 wheels and the other has 4. :)
Click to expand...

I'm finding a chair to be one of my best tools. It is too easy to get caught up in grinding/whatever and overlook something. I sit down and go over everything, it really helps.
 
If my four wheeler is a "quad", what's my 5 wheeler called? Is there a name for that one?

I probably use my quad the most.
 
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