Seeing the knife making threads on here over the years always made me want to start making knives (Like I didn't already have enough hobbies). I knew I didn't really want to hand file, so kept looking around at a belt grinder. I almost bought a harbor freight 1x30 several times, but then I'd see enough post elsewhere about how terrible they really are for metal.

I really like building things, so I finally decided to build my own 2x72 grinder over the summer. Looked at all kinds of plans and finally found a set off Reddit for a nice no weld grinder that I liked and could do easily, of course I then modified and made it more like some other commercial offerings, but used the basic dimensions from the original. Modified to use a 2nd tool arm, which is super nice for a work rest mount. Pieced the parts together over a couple months. Bought all metal cut, could save some more without it. Bought a lot of part using the ebay 15% off codes that have been running a lot this year. Overall, saved some money and had fun piecing it together.

Plans I started from linked in this post https://www.reddit.com/r/knifemaking/comments/7uujhg/my_diy_no_weld_belt_grinder/

Finished product, 2x72 grinder, 1.5hp 3 phase motor, running a KBDA-27D VFD (Liked the KBDA a lot better than the KBAC, basically the same price). Platen and wheels are OBM. I have mounted the work rest on another tool arm since taking these. Still need to buy a Large wheel, but that can wait a bit yet. I will be making a more permanent base for it, but this works for now.







Of course, if I was going to the work of doing things myself, I would need a propane forge for heat treating (heat treating simple steels anyway, not doing any more complicated steels right now), so I made this for cheap, uses 2x 1/2" Frosty T burners that I made( Plans available from google).

Test Firing and tuning:



Then I could start grinding some steel

First knife, 1080 steel with black micarta scales. Screw up bevel/plunge lines a bit, so I didn't bother taking surface all the way perfect, Plenty of other mistakes but was a big learning experience. Forced patina on the metal for a bit of corrosion resistance.



Second Knife, 1080 steel with mesquite scales, forced patina again. I only had 1.5" material, otherwise I would have a little more curve in the spine. I did work a bit too fast on grinding pins, so burned a bit around them, need to work handle a little slower Pin placement could have been much better. I like the feel of this one a lot, hoping to test out this weekend if I have any luck in the deer stand.



So far its been a lot of fun. Lots of learning to go!

Very nice! Love the grinder DIY. It sure looks like a fun hobby that I'm resisting for the next few years....

But will it keeel? /Doug

Dang, son. That's outstanding.

That is the perfect attitude... Steel is cheap compared to the time it takes to shape it.

One of the more badass things I've seen in a while. Only criticism is that propane tank next to the fire.

Greeze06 said:

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One of the more badass things I've seen in a while. Only criticism is that propane tank next to the fire.

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Looks like we found the safety guy...



JK... That's apparently me in my family.

I started making knives this past spring and just completed my first knife.





It a knife for a buddy who's invited us to come hunt his farm in W Va, so I used the blue & gold for WVU and curly Sugar Maple (State tree) for the scales. It's 0-1 tool steel. It not perfect but I like it.

When I started, I went cheap...HF 1x30, angle grinder and propane torch to try and heat treat. I've ground several "blades" but kept realizing I needed better tools and techniques. I probably watch 10-20 YouTube videos a week. (Walter Sorrells & Simple Little Life). Now I think I'm spending (and enjoying) making tools and jigs that help perfect my techniques as much as I enjoy making knives.

The first thing I got was a Dewalt Portaband and SWAG table. I had to fab a stand, so I bought a Hobart 140 welder and taught myself to weld.



Then I created a better grinding jig. My first one was angle iron with a bolt and c-camp. Now I have this one



Once I was a decent welder I designed and built this gas forge to HT my blades.





The absolute best thing is my new 2x72 from OBM. I got the work rest, flat platten and small wheel attachment. Plus 2hp motor and VFD. I only use ceramic or trizact belts. I welded up the stand and dust collection system.



I designed a makers mark and ordered a stencil from Ernie and then built an electro chemical etcher from watching YouTube to etch my blades.

I'm now working on building up my stuff to do kydex sheaths.

It really is as much fun building your tool sets as it is grinding a knife. Now I need to get started on making knives for everyone who wants one.