What to cut D2 with?

3

3ree7teen

Joined
Jan 22, 2010
Messages
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I'm new to knifemaking, and was curious what tool I should use to cut a knife design out of some flatstock D2.
 
i imagine a metal bandsaw would do it

or drill some holes along the edge of the design and then cut from hole to hole using a hacksaw, thats what i did
 
Do you have a bench vise or clamp to hold the workpiece? If so I'd use a hacksaw or dremel tool with a cutoff wheel.

Beans
 
Well, I have a dremel and hacksaw, no bandsaw, though (I wish). I have a jigsaw, which I tried using a metal cutting blade, but the D2 rounded the teeth off in a bout ten seconds, then again, it was a cheap blade. Perhaps a better one would do. I've got a drill press, so I could very well do what FTO_dude suggests. I've also got an angle grinder. Oh, and the steel is 3/16" thick.
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
 
You have what you need to cut with for now. If you plan to cut out a lot of blanks you will probably want to look into a band saw.

For now though you can do like FTO said and drill holes then use the hacksaw. Or, you can use the Dremel with some fiber cutoff wheels as well.

If the metal has mill scale on it you would do better by sanding or grinding that off first. It makes life a LOT easier with a hacksaw.

The angle grinder will work for you with some cutoff wheels, but it won't be good for the tight bends and such.

Make SURE to wear safety glasses when you use any type of cut off wheels. They don't play nice when they break.

Charlie
 
The angle grinder will do it.Draw out your profile and then grind it off.Do it ouside and watch where you throw your sparks.Before I got my bandsaw all I used was an angle grinder.
Stan
 
I would use the angle grinder....but be sure and wear a face sheild.I have had a few cutoff wheels break on me before and its no fun getting hit in the face with a piece that was spining at 11,000 rpms.
 
I second the grinder. I still use mine the majority of the time (although now sometimes I'll break out the plasma torch at work if I'm doing multiple blanks). It might waste a bit more steel than using a bandsaw but its not too much slower and since I don't forge or make damascus I don't have much use for the scraps anyways. I usually just mark the whole thing out with silver sharpie, cut out the smallest rectangle it fits in with a 1/16" disc, the grind to the line with a 1/4".
 
If you do use a hack saw, cutting oil and slow long strokes will get the most out of your blade. No Back Strokes!!!!
A name brand bi metal blade will work better than a cheap blade.
I have different tools available in my shop but when I teach a teenager I have them use a hack saw. It teaches patience, and also appreciation for the next knife when they get to try the band saw.
Have Fun!!!
 
I have a plasma cutter and oxy-acetylene setup, but I thought it wasn't good let the metal get that hot before HT. But I think I'm going to stick with the hole drilling. I tried it a little bit earlier and seemed to work very well.
 
If you have an adequate 2x72 beldt grinder with a platen and tool post use worn 50-60 grit belts, not worn out belts. It goes alot faster than my wilton metal cutting band saw.
It will allow you to grind to the scribe line. Saves time and money for me. What good are worn belts purpose apposed to purchasing bi-metal blades? Works for me!
 
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