What should I get next

J

JParisi48

Joined
May 14, 2012
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198
I am new to making knives, but want to expand on what I have for equipment. Keep in mind I don't want to go all out with a brand new 2x72 belt sander....Baby steps. Here is a list of what I have so far. What else should I get, no more than like 300$ worth of tools and equipment. Thanks

-Files
-Bench Grinder
-1 2 3 blocks
-Drill press
-A vice
-Clamps
-This thing, not sure what to call it, some sort of sander with a wheel on the side.
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I was thinking about some wheels for my bench grinder, seeing as how I don't use it because I will screw something up in a heartbeat. Wheels for sharpening???
 
I am also just starting out (partially through my first knife), but an inexpensive portable band saw has been invaluable. I'm ashamed that I didn't make it through the first blade without buying one, but it's come in handy for finishing that first profile, to building fixtures, to random projects around the house.
 
How about a Craftsman 2"x42" belt grinder? Should run about $150. With good belts it would help you out a lot.

That's a disk grinder on a 4x36 btw.
 
OzarkMatt said:
How about a Craftsman 2"x42" belt grinder? Should run about $150. With good belts it would help you out a lot.

That's a disk grinder on a 4x36 btw.
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Agree, this and look into a Harbor Freight 4x6 vertical/horizontal metal cutting bandsaw. They often have them on sale and you can usually find a coupon for an additional I think 20% off but you should be able to pick it up for right around $180. If you can snag those two items you'd be doing yourself a favor.
 
Id say to get a couple books on knifemaking wayne goddards $50 knife shop would be on the top of my list.

After that, a heat source for heat treating your blades. One to get steel hot enough to harden it, and a toaster and some oven thermometers for tempering.

You can make a knife without a belt grinder or any power tools, but its tough to make it cut well without heat treating equipment.
 
JParisi48 said:
... Keep in mind I don't want to go all out with a brand new 2x72 belt sander....
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Save up and get a good 2x72 (doesn't HAVE to be brand new). Don't waste your money buying junk.
also,
A nice stick and/or Tig welder would be very helpful.
Foredom flex shaft grinder (or Dremel at a minimum)
 
What you should get next is EXPERIENCE.

A ton of high tech tools won't replace one pound of experience.

Make a dozen knives with the tools you have. Then decide what tools will help you in quality and time.
When ready, get a 2X72" belt sander. A intermediate step is a 2X42" Sears grinder or similar unit.
 
I like the portable bandsaw idea. My cousin has one I am sure he will just let me use it. I think your right Stacy, may as well get more than a few knives down before I do anything crazy. I will get the portable band saw though....cutting through 1/8'' thick 154cm sucked with a hacksaw, I think i must have spent 3 hours just getting my profile cut out... My arms were sore the next day:D Joe, I will absolutley pick up that book, thanks for posting!
 
I made knives for a bout 18 months before I got my 2X72 grinder, before that it was a hacksaw, files and a hand drill. It took me a few months to buy any other power tools. I can't remember what came first the bench top drill press or the portable band saw, but they were within a month or so from each other. Not long after that I started collecting parts to build a GIB (grinder in a box). The 2X72 grinder made the biggest difference for me, suddenly I could remove a bunch of steel and once I got the hang of it, it took a lot less work to finish a knife too.

I am not saying jump out and buy a 2X72 right off the bat, but getting little bits as you can afford them is a good way to get a good grinder without a sudden layout of cash. I think the most I had to layout in one shot was just over $400 for my VFD followed by the GIB kit and the wheels, and both of those were around $300 purchases with shipping to Canada.
 
If you spend you money wisely, you can get some useful tools for $300. I'd get this portable bandsaw from Harbor Freight (It's around $80. Get the 20% off coupon and save more). I've had one for over a year and have cut a bunch of steel with it. Everything from stainless CPM 154 to mild steel for other projects. Stop by Home Depot and get some quality blades for it. I buy the Milwaukee blades. Just recently I found some Lenox blades on ebay and have ordered them. Good blades will last a long time. Just go slow.

Now you still have approximately $220 left. Go to sears and by the Craftsman 2x42 belt grinder. That will set you back around $150 or so unless you find it on sale, which is possible with Christmas coming up! Spend some money on good belts for your 2x42 by going to Trugrit.com. I'd recommend belts in the 40/60 grit range as well as 80, 120 and 220. You can go with sandpaper from there.

Next up is get a drill press. You will be amazed at what all you can accomplish with a drill press. Get at least a 10" benchtop model. A 12" or larger would be better if you can find them. If you want to splurge, get a floor model. You can browse Craigslist or ebay and come up with some decent ones. Look for brands like Powermatic, delta, porter cable and even older Craftsmen to name a few.

The sander/grinder you pictured (4x36 I believe) will work in a pinch. You can find good belts for it at trugrit.com also. While it won't be as useful as the 2x42 Sears unit, you could put off the purchase of the Sears grinder by getting your 4x36 up and running.
 
dremel with a flexible shaft and solid carbide bits (along with other miselenious bits)
Ebay is your friend
 
4-1/2" grinder with cut off disks, and sanding discs.
More files.
Rhino sand paper.
West systems epoxy.
Bench stones for sharpening.
 
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