Search results

Well, three speeds are better than one speed. My first two knife grinders were single speed machines and I survived. That is the great part of having your own shop...You can do it your way.

THAT is a slick grinding table Bob. I just spread my feet wider apart if I need to get closer to the grinder...

You can get the Chinese VFD's for under $100. You will save that in burned edges alone during your first six months making knives with a 3 step pulley. Plus your grinds will improve faster if you have fine control of your speed. MANY people here run multiple China VFD's and have no issues...

Waaaaaaay back when I started I bought an "Etch O Matic" kit and it came with a stencil making kit that used a UV light and some kind of stencil material. It may be worth a look. It was easy to make the stencils as I recall.

THAT is a cool project...

That is a good point. Does not dip below 40F here too much at all.

I use a 40 pound for my two burner forge and it will run at welding heat until its empty without freezing. It will sweat but does not lose pressure to freezing.

I have always wanted to make a hammer with a rounded face (rounding hammer) but instead of a second flat face I want a straight peen. Maybe it is time I get started on R and D. I will vouch for this company as well I have bought many items from them and their prices and shipping are fair. My...

Man that stuff cuts like a scalpel. I have been cut so much by that stuff I make myself wear gloves while dealing with it. No choice, wear gloves or get cut.

This guy made my 2.5# rounding hammer and I love it. https://wateroakforge.com/collections/blacksmithing-tools

Just put the hammerhead back on the handle backwards...

I tend to try and do most of my straightening during my second (and at times third) temper cycles. I have never broken a blade straightening in second or third temper. If that does not work, I am one of the lucky people who happen to have a Fly Press in my shop. I made a straightening jig for...

Thanks guys that should get me going. I know how to dial in a testing protocol now.

I have recently gained access to a hardness testing apparatus and I want to do some testing on my HT results. I know that it is good to grind the coupon down some before testing but my question is how much? I do not have precision capabilities to remove .003 at a time so are we talking about...

Wait, this is the first knife you forged or the first forged knife you completed? Choosing to do an integral bolster on a first attempt is pretty gutsy. If you had any level of success you should be proud. Isolating steel for things such as integral bolsters and forging the rest without...

The Holland anvils are cast in one piece and the entire anvil is then heat treated. I wonder which ,method produces a better anvil. I have seen many old anvils which were welded together come apart over time.

Well, I guess there is always a first time. I will try without a pin.

Are the Peddinghaus anvils drop forged like the Kancas?

I have not used a Kanca but I have heard good things about Kanca Anvils from people who have used them. When I get ready to replace my PW there are two anvils on the list. It will be either a Kanca or a Holland Anvils. I like the London pattern better so it may well be a Holland.

I have never not pinned one and the thought of just epoxy holding it in does not make me happy. I think I have some G10 pin material now that you mention it.