Knife supply is this a good chioce ?

[lenny357]

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... i_13736960

If not any other better choices my spending range is no more than $350

[carvin don]

Chris,
If you are looking for just the 1" belt sander w/o the disc sander, harbor freight has one for $45.00. If you need both the belt and disc sander than that Delta from Home Depot looks good.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... umber=2485

[muskrat man]

I like my delta tool,s never had any problems with them, just wish I had gotten a delta bandsaw instead of the craftsman. I swear I spend more time fixing it than I do using it.

[lenny357]

If I wanted to start re-handling knives and such I would like the choice the Delta offers. now buffers look kind of expensive correct I will need one of those right. any recomendations

[muskrat man]

get a delta bench grinder and replace the wheels with buffing wheels, simple, easy, cheap, and effective, wish there was an arbor extention kit ou there though for buffing those longer projects.

[Hukk]

As for a buffer, my reccommendation would be to buy one that has a speed of 1725 PRM or so. 3600 RPM will rip buffs, especially loose muslin and will be more apt to grabbing and throwing knives. The 10 inch Jet I for $170 last year goes for $260 (approx) on Amazon. More bang for the buck on the bigger buffers.

[lenny357]

Ok this is what I got so far. These 2 are the choices, what else will I need,

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... i_13736960


http://www.amazon.com/577110-JSB-10L-10 ... B00062NEXW

ow and a band saw is alot of $$$ is their a cheaper smaller way, I'll just be making pocket knives.

[Hukk]

When selecting grinder, always keep in mind, "what selection of belts and what the belts cost". You will need need a buffing wheel for each color of buff - minimum is likely 3 buffing compunds and another for carnuba wax. Also one buffing wheel for non ferrous metals and another for ferrous metals - steels in our case. I use concentric sewn and loose muslin as well as some flannel. You don't need to buy 6, 8, and 10 inch wheels all at once. I use mostly 6 and 8 inch wheels. I do use a 10 inch concentric sewn with black buffing compound and a couple others. Otherwise its just 6 and 8 inch and those will do everything. I buy a dozen each at a time to save money. As you go, you will try a bit of this and a bit of that and end up with a bit of everything until you find what works best for you - what gives you the your desired effects most efficiently.

Harbor Freight sells a cheap bandsaw (red one about $170) and I have never had a blade tracking problem. I also only use bi-metal blades. A metal cutter runs at least 3 speeds, all to slow for wood.

I also have a wood cutting bandsaw and table saw, but sounds as if you might not need those. If you plan on doining your own heat treating, you will need a kiln or ship it out - most stainless steels only and air quench steels. Carbon is easily done at home and need a quench tank with the oil recirulating and heated to 130 degrees. For a single small blade a gallon may be enough. But most quench tanks hold 3 gallons. You will need a Drill Press with bits and reams and a set of carbides eventually.

[lenny357]

Thanks guys for the help with this info and the other information on this site I am going in the right direction. Now if I only didnt have a day Job.

[orvet]

My choice would be the Delta over the Harbor Freight model. I have the Delta & have had no problems in about 3 years. I do use the disc on some handles, mostly to shape it. I also have an old Delta band saw. I am with Muskie, Delta seems to make good tools.

I am also with Hukk on the Jet 1HP buffer. I tried making them from grinders, but most are too fast. I bought the Jet on Hukk's recommendation and I love it!!! It saves me a lot of time buffing over the smaller ones. It has lots of torque & the slow speed prevents a lot of thrown knives.

A good drill press it a must. It was one of the first tools I bought.

Just my $.02,
Dale

[Darksev]

I'm not one for power tools (space limitations, no basement or garage to work in ), most everything I do is by hand still, but, A few months back I did buy a 10" Hitachi drill press on sale. Let me say I'm blown away by how much easier it makes things. I can step the speed down to 1100, and chuck in a buff wheel (had been using a hand drill. not fun) My holes are more precise, and the ability to use a drum sander with a level base makes a world of difference to me. If you don't have one, I'd almost put that over every other tool you could buy.

[Hukk]

Thanks guys for the help with this info and the other information on this site I am going in the right direction. Now if I only didnt have a day Job.

They say you need a day job to support yourself as a knifemaker.

[orvet]

They say you need a day job to support yourself as a knifemaker.

It is sort of like the farmer who won $10 million in the lottery. A reporter asked him what he was going to do with the money.
He replied, "As near as I figgure it, I can now afford to farm for another 8 to 10 years."



Dale