What is the next major tool investment after acquiring a 2x72 and Heat treat Oven?

Steelhog

Steelhog

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
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Hey all. Slowly building out my shop and tools for knife making. After acquiring a variable speed 2x72 and a heat treat oven what is the next substantial tool/equipment that you recommend buying/making that has a substantial impact on efficiency and quality. Would this be a disc sander or something else?

(Tools I currently have – variable speed 2x72, HT Oven, portaband/swag table, bandsaw, drill press, low speed buffer, forge and lots of handheld tools.)
 
I would agree with disc grinder, but it depends on the type of knives and desired output. Some might think about a mill next, or if you like forging, perhaps a press.
 
steelhog said:
Hey all. Slowly building out my shop and tools for knife making. After acquiring a variable speed 2x72 and a heat treat oven what is the next substantial tool/equipment that you recommend buying/making that has a substantial impact on efficiency and quality. Would this be a disc sander or something else?

(Tools I currently have – variable speed 2x72, HT Oven, portaband/swag table, bandsaw, drill press, low speed buffer, forge and lots of handheld tools.)
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his majesty ... Rockwell Hardness Tester .You can make best looking knife , but ...................will it cut ?
 
I don't have an oven yet, almost done with making my disk sander.....
I know I wish i had another drillpress. I'd like 3-4 of them staged ready to use.

But, for me.... my next big purchase is going to be a Foredom
 
Crag the Brewer said:
I don't have an oven yet, almost done with making my disk sander.....
I know I wish i had another drillpress. I'd like 3-4 of them staged ready to use.

But, for me.... my next big purchase is going to be a Foredom
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Sorry dumb question - what is a Foredom? How would you use it?
 
steelhog said:
Sorry dumb question - what is a Foredom? How would you use it?
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It's like a dremel on steroids.

I would use it for tight inside radius, and carving sculpted handles.
You can get all kinds of attachments look it up, I'm surprised they aren't talked about nonstop here.... I know I have wanted one ever since I first saw them. They are Awesome
 
Various attachments for the grinder, depending on what specifically want to do
 
Some good suggestions so far. Surface grinder attachment is a nice tool, but IMO not at the top of the list. Disk grinder is a good idea, if for no other reason than flattening scales and tangs. Mill is a good idea, as is a press. You'll have to decide what direction you want to go. Or, just go visit Charles Turnage and blow it all on mammoth ivory :)
 
What does a disc sander do that a 2x72 doesn’t? I’ve struggled to try and figure that out on my own.
 
I see forge on your list of already have tools, but no anvil...that'd be my next purchase
 
Surface grinder (a real one, like a Harig 6x12 with a stone wheel)! Best big item I have in the shop and they can often be found dirt cheap.

You can likely hook the 3phase one you typically find up to your existing VFD
 
Others have already given some great suggestions!
If you wanna expand your forging setup, I'd look into a press (or hammer if you think that'll suit your needs better)
I have the coal iron 12 ton press, it's not the most powerful thing, but for it's size and price tag it's pretty impressive, and sure beats the heck out of doing everything by hand! Especially if you wanna get into damascus.
 
Bühlmann said:
What does a disc sander do that a 2x72 doesn’t? I’ve struggled to try and figure that out on my own.
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It grinds on two planes. It allows a scale or bolster to be squared so the end is exactly 90° or whatever angle you need. It is also yields a very exact flatness.
 
Bunker Hill Blades said:
I have the coal iron 12 ton press, it's not the most powerful thing, but for it's size and price tag it's pretty impressive
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I also have one of those "12 ton" presses and they really do a good job for only 9 ton as shipped. The small width die is the secret to how well they work. I changed to a 4" cylinder so I could get the full 12 ton.
 
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