Iron Striker

Please tell me about your VFD set up on your belt grinder. 1. Brand you have. 2. Input voltage & phase. 3. Output voltage and phase. 4. HP of motor. 5. Nema 4 or in another enclosure? 6. Best feature? Thanks, Jamie Herring

If you were going to use a VFD with a 2 hp 3 phase motor, would it be better to go with single phase 230 input or 120 input? The 230 input to 230 output that I have seen are less expensive than the 120 input to 230 output.

Under the GIB selection there is a selection called "Assembly". It has pics and verbage. If you PM me your email I can send it to you. Jamie

I appreciate the pics of your grinder and your input. I went ahead and ordered the GIB. I also printed off the instructions from the Polar Bear web site. I don't know if they were available when you bought yours, but it sure helps me understand the task at hand. Jamie Herring

Ok here is another question. Do Dr. Hrisoulas books cover preforms for blade forging?

Thomas, I will check out those books. I have to remind myself that when talking on a forum it pays to be specific. Sorry for the broad question. Thanks again to all of you! Jamie

Thanks for all the replys. I am mainly interested in knife steels. There seems to be nothing in the local book stores on the subject. A trip to the library would probably help. So much to learn! Thanks again. Jamie

I see posts containing references to the types of steel being used for different applications. Does anyone know of a book or web site that a beginner like me could use to better select the type of steel required? Something written in "laymans" terms. Thanks, Jamie

John, What size motor did you get and does it work well without the VFD?

Very Nice! Care to share details? Jamie

Wayne, I just connected the dots! I like your forum too! Hayden, I think I'm sold on the GIB. Post some pics if you get started. Jamie

Wayne, Thanks for the information. I like your web site and your grinders! If my wife didn't have to take her EERF cats to the vet so often I could buy one of yours! Jamie

Hayden, I'm in the same position you are in. I was trying to decide between the GIB and the Coote Belt Grinder. The GIB seems to be more versitile. What is the EERF grinder? I haven't come across it. Keep on posting your progress. Thanks, Jamie Herring

I just did a search on the net for this rod with the Mauser reference. No luck. Bentiron and I may have the only two in existance! Wishful thinking! Brian, How do you tell if the thread is metric? Jamie

Thanks Bentiron! I cleaned the end out and it is in fact threaded. They are a little banged up. I tried to screw in one of my bore brushes but couldn't get it started. Wish I had the Mauser that went with it! Mystery solved! Thanks everyone for your input! Jamie

Thanks for all the replys! The hole does not extend through the rod. The rod is brass. The handel on the end is dark like lead but it is very light in weight so I assumed it was aluminum. I'm going to check on the internal threads. The rod does have some residual black material on it. I had assumed it was soot from matches or a fire. Could be gun powder residue? Jamie

I don't think it has any threads, but I'll check. The swivel handel makes sense for a gun cleaner. Jamie

I found this in an old wall with a fire place poker. My guess is it was used for holding a wooded match to light a fire. Not sure though. Any other Ideas? It is 36" long brass, about a 3/16" in diameter. One end has a cast aluminum football shaped handle that spins, the other has a hole that you can stick a wooden match in.

I bought a Diamondback Two Burner last summer but didn't fire it up but once because it was way to hot here in Central Texas! I have since ran about a half of a bottle through it. I am completely new at this but it has done all I need it to do. I played around with forge welding some 1/2" cable and it worked well. No complaints so far. Jamie

Thanks again for the input! Bentiron, My inlaws used to live in Cave Creek. My wifes step dad had a horse breeding business there.

Thanks for the pics. Awesome Axe! Very Inspiring!

I made this out of a 14" concrete cutting blade. It is more like a fillet knife. I had trouble with sharpening the edge. Not because of the material, just inexperiance on my part. I plan on making more. Hopefully with better luck. Live and learn! Jamie

Very nice design. I like the handel detail as well.

Scott, That is an awesome blade! Can't wait to get going on my own. Time is an issue with me as well. Jamie

I really like the shape of the blade. I am discovering that i learn a lot by just trying it out.