Neddy

Hi all. i have the exact same question and I do have a beard so that info was handy thanks daswulf. I’ve been wearing a “Protector” brand dual filter mask - about $45ish from Bunnings but I need a better one - Are y’all able to recommend something suitable for a short beard for perhaps under $200? I’m mostly grinding steel and brass. thanks so much

Thanks everyone for your responses regarding this! I can definitely see all your points/concerns with this item so i’ll keep looking.

Hi all. Thanks for the responses. (I got warned for that post as I didn’t realise I couldn’t post a link in it. I tried posting a pic of the unit but it didn’t let me so...) this is the description ... 950w Bench Belt Sander Grinding Machine Double Axis Variable Speed 40x680mm that's definitely a fair point about the odd sized belts and how difficult or expensive it may be to replace them. I’ll do some googling on that point. .. Ah this time it’s let me post a pic of it. Let me know your thoughts on if it would work for a relative beginner. thanks and kind regards neddy

Hi all. I’ve appreciate reading the posts in this thread. For a while now i’ve been using a Ryobi belt and disc sander for stock reduction on steel but needless to say it’s not ideal - too much bulky metal housing making it’s difficult to get the steel in nice and close to the belt. so I’m looking at cheap belt grinders to get me started - anyone know if something like this would do for a while? Remove link to commercial site. Im not a pro nor and I’m on a budget so not looking for pro equipment at this stage. Alternatively if this is just cheap junk can you please suggest a suitable and affordable belt grinder for a relative beginner. One that doesn’t need someone with an engineering degree to set it up. Thank you all for your time m and kind regards Neddy

Thanks guys. Just changed the profile to show brizzy. I’ll definitely check out qmac thanks nomad!

G’day blokes and blokets. I’m brand new to the forum (it’s actually the first forum i’ve Joined ever) and couldn’t yet even call myself a hobbyist. Perhaps an aspiring hobbyist. I live in Brisbane in an appartment so I have no workshop, basically no space and have to keep the noise and mess to a minimum. Not the best environment for blacksmithing. All I’ve been able to do so far is practice making a few things with a dremel. But about to do my first knife making course and move to a house so eager to get started. Very keen to learn so teach away. neddy

Might just do that. Thank you

The listing says - “Brass Flat Bar - Grade C380 / C385 at 300mm long” - it doesn’t say anything about the materials within the alloy. Maybe i’d Have to contact the manufacturer. The purpose is really just for practice, to be ornamental and not necessarily functional as I’m just learning / teaching myself. I suppose purchasing an unsuitable material can just go down as a lesson learned.

Hi all. On the topic of brass - I am new to knife making - I thought aged brass looks cool so I bought a blank slab to have a crack at making a knife out of. I wasn’t going to attempt heat treating at this stage just shaping it as a bit of a fun project (I only have a few basic tools at home). Is the summary that I shouldn’t bother? And it’s hazardous to grind?