fishfinder401

First of all, I'm not sure if this is the right section for this, but it seemed closest since it involves a gas forge. So, I was recently commisioned to make a knife for someone, the only issue is that my coal forge doesn't heat a large enough area to harden the while blade ( or at least not without some large risks) This brings me to what I need advice on, to heat treat this I am looking at 3 main options, buying a propane forge or buying or making an electric heat treat oven. I would build the propane forge but I don't know much of the intricate details of how to get then working well and don't have the time right now to teach myself. Is there an inexpensive propane forge that will work for heating a 10 in blade to the correct temperatures, would I be better off just building a electric oven or is there an option I'm not seeing? Also my budget is at most 400 but preferably less. Thanks Noel

Well after looking at the cost ( both time and money) I ended up getty the grizzly, wish I had the time to make my own but while working full time I jsut didn't have the time to build one, and the other options like the coote just were too expensive with all the parts... unfortunately though it arrived today and the package was heavily damaged... the power switch was snapped and who knows what other internal damage to the motor happened, it looked like it was dropped on both ends as the arbors were both sticking out of the box through the reinforcing particle board... thank god for amazon just shipping out a replacement

what about the oregon blade maker? that seems to be in my price range and has some good option for upgrades in the future

I'll check them out

Now that I think of it, I think my 1x42 has an open motor... ( terribly engineered machine, found that out after I bought it) I might have tk try doing that then, and when I get some more money in from a few knifes and projects I was asked to do I should be able to afford an upgrade

Well i did plan on having step pulleys, and I can bog down the 1x42, so I'm used to not grinding hard. Although the motor is open, so I'm not sure how that would be... is it possible to make encloses to protect it? The only other option for a motor in have found is from harbour freight, but is between 120 and 150$ which is set ching my budget

Well after reading everything you guys have told me I am leaning away from the grizzley a little because of the speed, the only issue for me though is the finding a motor in my price range. I did find an air pump on craigslsit with a 3/4hp motor, id i took the motor fron that do you think that would be able to hold me over for a while before I upgrade motors? Also I am coming from a 1x42 with a .5hp so I feel like almost anything would be an improvement, What do you think? Will 3/4 be too weak? Thanks for the input everyone!

Do you know if coote grinders are known for any particular issues?

Dustin, do you have any idea what might be causing the tracking to be off? could the wheel and platen be offset from each other

How much would you expect it to cost to build one similar to yours with the step pulleys not including the motor? And yeah, anything above my 1x42 Craigslist find would be an improvement... I can bog it down easily

Thanks for responding, I will be forging to shape/ some beveling on knifes and then useing the grinder to finish the blades. I think I most likely only have 110, but I'll check to see if 220 is a posibility. I would build my own but I will be working full time for the forseeable future so I would prefer not haveing to build from scratch, but I don't mind doing some modifications and building... wish I had the time and machines to put my engineering degree to use and build one perfect for me

Hey guys, I recently was given some money for my graduation from college to go towards some much needed tools and that means I can finnaly get s 2x72 grinder. I still can't get something like a KMG, but have been so far looking at the grizzly and the coote. Does anyone have any opinion that could help in this decision, or a suggestion for something else better in this price range? Thanks Noel

Hi, after lurking here for a little, i finally decided to register and introduce myself I have been forging for around 4 years( im 20 now) and have been very slowly learning on my own with my small 35lb anvil ( which as soon as i find a good deal will be upgraded) and my coal riveters forge i'm currently forging on the side as a hobby when i am home as i work towards an engineering degree ill hopefully soon post some of my recent projects and hope to get some pointers hope to meet some people on hear and learn Noel