You went a little more all in than me so far...

I get where you're coming from with the "1st completed knife". I went the other direction and decided to just go through all the steps to figure out where I need the most work. I would have hated to get a really nice blade and screw up the scales altogether. Overall, it's definitely on the grinding side more, but I did learn the speed that I can sand down with pins in. Going to fast can definitely burn stuff.

I've been freehanding bevels. Some learning curve for sure, but overall really not that bad. Only "jig" I'm now using is a file guide to help keep better plunge lines. I kinda like the feel of freehanding them over the jig, but a jig can definitely help with getting everything dialed in so much faster.

The jIg is a curse and blessing. I typically only use it now with my 50/120 grit grinds. Once I have an established bevel that's even, I freehand 220/400.

I'm learning less is more before HT. I spend too much time grinding the flats, trying to smooth out grind lines only to nick something or grind away too much material. I'm going to focus more on hand sanding and see if actually speeds up the process

Game changer. Angle grinders have their place, but a good band saw works for steel, micarta/wood & kydex. This one has 5 speeds so I can slow it down or speed up as needed

My first portaband was $99 from HF and it works great as a portaband, but when you try and use it with the table I have, the design works using existing threaded holes on the saw. HF is too inconsistent in getting these drilled in the right spot/perpendicular, etc. I tried and returned 2 before I stepped up to the Dewalt.

I'm sure The Milwaukee version is just as good, but most of my stuff is Dewalt

Why did you have to turn me onto Alec Steele?...I just watched 10 videos in a row on his first Damascus sword. I'm not a forge guy, but really think it's cool. I'm sure someday i'll spot an old anvil in a store and end up beating on a piece of 1095 until I looks like crap or a blade.

DS

Also, i have modded HF 1x30 I'll give to an OB'r for free...I'm in DFW.

Have you used that dust collector much yet? Seems like the plastic pipe would have some burn through issues pretty quick? If you do, you might look at making a water bucket for the dust collector to put inline under the grinder.

gsp_hunt said:

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Trying to find polishing compounds for my buffing wheel. The large clay bar type. Suggestions? Has been referred to as jewelers rouge. All I can find are little sticks of it.

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Jantz knife supply has the large bars of all types of rouge

I'm getting by without a metal bandsaw right now. I have a wood band saw for handles, but way to fast for metal. It's kind of funny, on Belt grinder, fast is good for metal but not for wood, and band saw is the other way...

I' have some 4" bar stock right now, but I can get blade size rectangle out pretty fast with a cut off wheel and profiling with a 36grit belt doesn't take long really. Would be nice to be able to get a much closer shape before getting to the grinder, but I have lots of other stuff I want buy before the metal band saw right now.

Brad06ag said:

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Have you used that dust collector much yet? Seems like the plastic pipe would have some burn through issues pretty quick? If you do, you might look at making a water bucket for the dust collector to put inline under the grinder.

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Yes, the good ole orange Home Depot bucket hangs from the grinder when grinding metal. The dust collection is for scales and kydex

Brad, where do you get your belts from? Have you used the VF Scotchbrite belts to surface condition?

You're welcome?? That kid has amazing talent for being so young! He has done a few knives also. Check out his chef knife videos. Very good info on bevels and hollow grinds.

FIDO 96 said:

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Brad, where do you get your belts from? Have you used the VF Scotchbrite belts to surface condition?

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I bought my Aluminum Oxide and Zirconia belts from Industrial Abrasives. Always liked them for quality sandpaper for good prices.

Anything else is from online wherever or Texas Knifemakers supply, I can pick up from there as they are basically around the corner. I drive right by on my way home.

Haven't bought a scotchbrite belt yet, but definitely on the list.

FIDO 96 said:

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Also, i have modded HF 1x30 I'll give to an OB'r for free...I'm in DFW.

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I let this sit a while to see if someone else wanted it...I'll take it, though. I did a kit chef's knife last summer and had a blast. I've got a new garage shop to set up and this would be a welcome addition to kick start some knife making.

Email me normaleagle (no class year) at g mail. I'm in Garland and can pick up this weekend if it's still available.

Sent you an email.

Here are pics of the mods: Extended work table, extended flat platten & a Streamlight Flex-neck as a work light.