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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: tmccall on June 18, 2009, 10:46:00 PM
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I'm interested in jumping into the whole knife making thing.
I've done the whole put a handle on a blade thing in the past but I would really like to produce my own blades.
I've been doing a lot of reading and, while I'd like to get into the forge and hammer challenge at some point, I think I'd like to start by learning to grind m own blades.
With that end in mind I figure that I need to acquire, at the least, a bench grinder of some sort and a drill press.
I'm wondering if you have any recommendations on a good, reasonably priced grinder for a beginner...
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I guess it depends on what your idea of reasonable is. Have you got a price range in mind? I think Uncle Al's machine from down in DeQueen is pretty reasonable considering the features you get, but not everybody thinks $1,675 is in the "reasonable" category.
I've hear good reports on Grizzly's model G1015 knifemaker's belt grinder that sells for about $400 but I've never seen one in person. Some people do pretty good with the Sears 2x42 belt sander that sells for $130. I have an old Stephen Bader BM2. If you can find a used one for a reasonable price, they tend to last pretty much forever.
http://www.knifeandgun.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=JLG2
http://www.riversidemachine.net/item14549.ctlg
http://grizzly.com/products/Knife-Belt-Sander-Buffer/G1015
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921513000P?mv=rr
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I am the perfect guy to ask!!!
Get a KMG ;)
Now that being said You sound like me about 14, 15 months ago that is only the beginning!!!
But it sure is worth it :biglaugh:
Hope you get into it ,some of the guys that helped me are great friends!!!
IF you buy a grinder you won't forget this thread
Later Kevin
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I have a 1x30 belt sander from harbor frieght that cost $39.99. I got it as a gift from my wife about 3 months ago. I used a portable belt sander clamped in a bench vise upside down before that. I can get 1x30 belts at Lowes and Home Depot.
I know some of you will cry foul over me using a cheapie, but you cant beat a $39.99 investment to see if you like grinding blades. I have made about 10 knives with it so far. You can shape the heck out of handles with it too.
Tommy
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tmccall
I started out with a 1 x 30 from grizzly, it's done very good for me, cost 85.00. i now have a craftsmans 2 x 42, i've only made one blade so far but what a difference it's makes, if i had know the difference then like i know now i would have spent the extra money.
i've make about 21 knives so far and the 1 x 30 is getting alittle weak.
if you think you are series about knife making go with the bigger,if the money is there.
once you start you can not stop.
dana
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I started out with the 1x30 from Grizzly too. Not ideal, but inexpensive and if you're just making knives as a hobby there's nothing wrong with it. I've since bought a craftsman 2x42 which I like better for most things, but you need to slow the belt speed down or you'll eat through belts quicker than you do with the 1x30!
If I had the money (and shop time) I'd get the KMG
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Good info guys. I was lookign at grinders at Lowes the other day and was thinking about getting in on the ground floor with one of the models they have that cost around $100-$150.
My main worry was if these would be adequate for the job at hand. It sounds as if they will.
Question #2: If I order belts from Jantz to grind with, how many should I expect to go thru on my first attempt?
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well i have about 30 hanging on the wall from 50 grit to 600 grit, you should be able to make a knife with 1-50-80 grit and 2 -220 grit 1 -400 grit, it depends on the finsh you want. alot of hand sanding goes with making a knife. these belts should last awhile, one thing to buy is a belt cleaner, if you don't you will go through a lot of belts.
jump in, you can do it
good luck, be sure to post pictures of you first one.
dana
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The Delta SA180 is decent 1x42 grinder. And like most smaller grinders it turns very fast and will get a blade really hot in a couple passes so keep a bucket of water close for dunking the blade.
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Originally posted by DANA HOLMAN:
well i have about 30 hanging on the wall from 50 grit to 600 grit, you should be able to make a knife with 1-50-80 grit and 2 -220 grit 1 -400 grit, it depends on the finsh you want. alot of hand sanding goes with making a knife. these belts should last awhile, one thing to buy is a belt cleaner, if you don't you will go through a lot of belts.
jump in, you can do it
good luck, be sure to post pictures of you first one.
dana
You can be sure I will!
I've got a bow on the tiller tree that I need to finish up first.
But, as soon as I can round up the finances to pursue yet another craft / hobby I'm going to jump in with both feet.
I feel confident that I can do it -- its just a matter of getting the right tools and learning a few lessons.
Heat treating and temper appear to be the two biggest hurdles to get past. I'm sure I'll be loaded with questions when I get there.
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The grinder from Grizzly is nice. I used a small craftsman before and I absolutely love the grizzly.
as for belts supergrit.com, good people great product and good prices.
hope this helps,
good luck and have fun.