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Post by Jonny Cadman on Dec 25, 2014 21:06:29 GMT
As my post count will probably show, I'm pretty new around here, and new to the sword manufacturing, collecting, and sparring scene in general. What I've found I've really enjoyed so far though, and can't wait to dive into it as soon as possible, so! I've read through quite a few guides, watched many videos, and downloaded what can only be half a hundred PDFs on the subject of making swords, but I keep finding conflicting information, so I thought I might ask around here. Sorry if its been asked, but the search function said the words were too common to search, and after browsing a few pages back, I couldn't find the answer. tl;dr: Is there a good, budget grinder that I could use for stock removal of steel? 1045 at the least, but maybe even up to as hard as 5160 would be ideal. I've heard that the bench grinders with an attached belt sander should be strong enough, but eat through belts like crazy. Others say they don't work at all. As an example: Bench Grinder with Sander
Alternatively, I was looking at either the Harbor Freight 1 x 30, which might be enough for knives and for 50 bucks ain't too bad... OR, the Grizzly Knife Belt Sander. 600 bucks CONUS is still a bit steep, but doable I suppose. I've also seen the polar bear forge Belt Grinder in a Box, but I don't think my machining skills are quite up to that task and when all is said and done it's going to be a lot of time, and still a decent chunk of money. I know I could probably get away with an angle grinder, and if that's what I have to do, I suppose I'll make due... Because honestly, I can't afford to pay 1500 dollars for a 2x72 belt grinder, haha! Any alternative would be nice, if anyone here has any ideas or options. Belt grinder or sander with the rounded edge available would be nice for the sake of fullers, as I prefer blades from the 14th century and earlier, but as I'm planning on starting with knives I suppose it isn't necessarily a -priority-. Thanks!
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Dec 26, 2014 9:13:38 GMT
Well, I use an angle grinder and a cheap 40$ belt sander from ebay for my stuff. www.amazon.de/900-Watt-Bandschleifer-533-76/dp/B0085VB85W/ref=sr_1_52?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1419585026&sr=1-52Works well enough... skill and dedication are much more important than equipment. Though I will allow that a high end grinder does make things a lot easier and also faster. The Harbor Freight is perfect for sharpening or shaping handles, I wouldn't use it for major stock removal as it doesn't have a good platen and has a rather narrow belt width.
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Dec 26, 2014 10:23:28 GMT
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Dec 26, 2014 10:54:19 GMT
You can also make one of these (a little neater too) - as an all purpose tool
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Post by freq on Dec 26, 2014 11:23:52 GMT
you can do fullers with an angle grinder, its just about the only thing i use, takes some practice but once your use to it its really quick to do check this for idea how i did fullered blade if your interested sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/38004/
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Post by DigsFossils-n-Knives on Dec 26, 2014 13:03:10 GMT
Lots of good advise above. I'd like to know how new are you to sword making, or if you've ever made knives.
If you want to commit to making swords (or knives) you're going to have to save up and build/buy a 2x72 with a 1-2 hp motor. Swords can be made with cheaper tools but it's tedious word and very time consuming. You'll be happier with a 2x72 KMG grinder with a few attachments. About a $2000. If you want to make swords by stock removal for the purpose of selling then you need to step up to a Wilmont Tag101 (Package C) about >$3000. I wish I bought the Tag101.
If you buy the smaller or lower price equipment you will very likely burn out the motor within a few years. I have burnt out a few 4x36 sanders/grinders in my first few years of knife making.
And I would recommend you start with small knives and a 1x30 or the Grizzly Knife Belt Sander before you jump into large swords.
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Post by Jonny Cadman on Dec 27, 2014 8:10:19 GMT
I have experience with angle grinders, but next to none with belt sanders outside of using a friend's for some simple sharpening, so in essence you might as well say I have no experience, which is why I'm hesitant to spend any large amount of money. If I can make a knife and a rudimentary sword, even if it takes longer, with a cheap sander and an angle grinder though, then that should give me a rough idea of how far I want to take the hobby. Just wasn't sure if it was possible! Thankfully I also have access to a mill, and more importantly, a good friend who operates them well, so fullering in that case might not be the biggest issue, even if it can be done well with an angle grinder!
For now I'll likely try and emulate Cheness' method, and once I feel like I can invest more time into it start fabricating some of my own modifications or tools, like the 2 x 72 that aussie linked, or bite the bullet and get a nicer, higher priced sander. Thanks for the help guys! Do any of you have any more advice that for whatever reason isn't in any of the stickied threads (or found through some quick google searches) that I need to know before I get started (Taking Digs' advice on starting with knives first)?
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Post by freq on Dec 27, 2014 8:57:53 GMT
Yeah, expect to stuff up a few lol. and they almost always take longer than you think they will lol
on a more serous note, i say have a go and see what works for you,just try not to rely solely on books and youtube for advice, if you can get in with some one who can show you a few basic things, makes life heaps easier (im almost entirely self taught) and it will stop you repeating mistakes others have made (done plenty of that) and dont be afraid to ask for help from those on here who have more experience
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Post by DigsFossils-n-Knives on Dec 27, 2014 13:57:28 GMT
If you have experience with angle grinders then you are ahead of the game. Leverage that skill. A suggestion to consider. If you can't at this time invest on expensive high powered equipment then perhaps you might consider forging. Check out this awesome thread sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/42166/I'm suggesting forging because it would be easier and quicker to hammer out the bevels then stock removal with low powered equipment. Also there is less dust to deal with which is a major issue with stock removal. The 'cons' would be (1) a new skill to learn and master (2) you might have neighbors that will be annoyed by the hammering noise and smoke/smell(?)
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Post by Jonny Cadman on Dec 28, 2014 6:27:47 GMT
After looking at a video of one of the coffee pot forges that Lonely Wolf mentions in that thread, I'm very interested in trying that out. There's currently about four houses under construction on my block right now so I doubt anyone would mind another hammer whacking away at something during the day at least! I'll start a couple knives off with an angle grinder, but definitely try out some small scale forging in the near future. Any recommendations on sources for steel? These guys look pretty good, and they offer 1074 as well: www.mcmaster.com/#standard-steel-sheets/=v7r8d9I live in southern California, so even though I have a world of options available to me, it's still so hard to choose who to buy from haha Edit: Also, thanks again guys, you're all incredibly helpful!
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Dec 28, 2014 14:26:02 GMT
Stress-Resistant 5160 Alloy Steel is good and usually cheap - Also check spring makers for scrap/offcuts
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Dec 28, 2014 17:44:23 GMT
Although I don't make knives, etc., Admiral Steel has great options and pretty decent prices.
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