Recent content by dkemppai

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    CNC WIP - small flipper.

    I'm reading this whole thread, and it's bringing back A LOT of memories. It will get easier with time! Yeah, calculating feeds and speeds can be fun! Also, coatings can change things dramatically. AlTiN seems to give me really good tool life in the miserable stainless steels we like. It's...
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    Light Box, Pointers.

    Hi, It's been a while since I've posted... Spent the weekend getting a light box setup. It's been something I've been meaning to do for several years. Finally did it. Thought I'd post some details as a way to give back to the forums I've learned from over the years. Maybe this will give some...
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    Hey phat boy!

    Thanks, good to know. It Looks great! Dan
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    What are the best grinders that a man who wants to one day be a pro buy

    I like my KMG. Built like a tank. All the attachments are pricey, but I wouldn't be without them now. Rob is a great guy to deal with. I wanted a size small wheel for the small wheel attachment he didn't make. I called him, and he said on the next order he would have some made up, which he did...
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    Finally!

    Hi, So, I realized I've been reading the forum for quite a while, and even posted a time or two. However, somehow missed the introduction post! Anyway, name is Dan Kemppainen. Live in Upper Michigan (Keewenaw Peninsula). If you don't count the knives made as a teenager, I've been at this for a...
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    Hey phat boy!

    Nice looking knife. What finish did you do on the blade/bolsters? Nice color! Dan
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    Cutting Ti what are your thoughts?

    Sharp blades are a must. If I cut Ti, I cut it on a fresh blade, then retire the blade for other metals after it slows down. Milling cutters, same thing. Sharp, sharp, sharp... I usually cut on slow speed. It takes longer, but seems to make the blades last longer. For big chunks, I usually just...
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    New Folder

    Did you do a heat treat on the steel first? Reading the data sheet recommends heat treat for corrosion resistance, but maybe that makes it harder to etch??? On the datasheet Hcl at 37% is listed for a high contrast etch. Muriatic Acid is about 20% Hcl, so that might be worth a try. At least...
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    New Folder

    Very nice! I really like the flow of this knife. CPM-154 being is a favorite here! How did you like the Damasteel? Can you share what you had to do to etch it? Dan
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    Why no one knows what a custom knife maker is...

    That's a good question! At one point, I was a guy who made a few knives, from a file, on a stone grinder... Now, I AM a knife maker. Not really sure when that transition happened, although my wife would argue that happened $38,000.00 ago! :) For me, a custom knife maker is defined by their...
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    WIPstagram - American Tanto progress

    It brings testosterone levels up too! ;)
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    WIPstagram - American Tanto progress

    Wow very nice! Great detail in the pictures! Dan
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    How much time to make a folder?

    Ed, The intent isn't to try to rush. Just wondering from a time standpoint how long it takes you guys. In general I probably average the same hours and periods of time you guys are. That said, I spend some time doing CAD/CAM for the CNC. Then there is some time to make fixtures. So the...
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    Anodizing Titanium

    Whoa! Hydroflouric!!!!!! Are you sure? That is really nasty nasty stuff. It will etc glass. If you get exposed bad enough, sometimes the cure is amputation! Please read up on the health and safety wikipedia page. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrofluoric_acid If this really is HF, know...
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    How much time to make a folder?

    Hi all, Just looking for some general information on how long it takes you guys to make a folder. No really 'over the top' knives, just your average custom folder with nice materials. I've read through a few out of print books featuring big name guys who make folders, but nowhere did I see...
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