Learn to Turn, 3rd Edition Revised & Expanded. Bradley Richardson
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Название: Learn to Turn, 3rd Edition Revised & Expanded
Автор: Bradley Richardson
Издательство: Ingram
Жанр: Техническая литература
isbn: 9781607657316
isbn:
From top: Four-in-hand rasp, half-round rasp, rasp.
3. FORGE
My firebrick forge.
If you plan to buy a forge, you might spend $200– $300 on a very basic model. However I’d recommend any beginner to fashion his or her own forge using firebricks and a blowtorch. I go over this in detail on here. The price of firebricks and a simple blowtorch usually don’t exceed $35. Keep in mind that the gas cylinder on a torch will need to be replaced.
If you plan to use your forge for more than just heat-treating, you may consider buying or making a forge burner and using it with a full-size propane tank. I’m recommending gas forges because they are safer in the sense that they can be shut off in a matter of seconds. They are also low-odor and nonthreatening to your lungs, unlike coal forges.
4. QUENCHING CONTAINER AND MEDIUM
My quenching container. See here for how to quench steel safely.
In order to heat-treat your knife you’ll need a safe, metal container for quenching. It doesn’t need to be huge unless your blades are huge. The rule of thumb is to use one gallon of quenching liquid per pound of steel you plan to quench. A metal paint can, a small pale, or even an ammunition box will work great for this; just be sure that whatever you use is watertight. My favorite quenching medium is canola oil and that’s what I recommend to any beginner. You can pick up a small metal container and a gallon of canola oil for around $8.
Canola oil.
5. TEMPERING OVEN
No need to be fancy: even a toaster oven works for tempering steel.
A pro-quality tempering oven can cost thousands of dollars. But if you have permission to use the household oven or even the toaster oven, you’re good to go. You can also use a torch to temper a blade, and if you buy one to make a little forge, you’ve got another way to temper a knife.
6. DRILL
A drill is a great tool for any shop, and anyone who is at all handy probably has one lying around. A drill press will always provide a more accurate hole, but a hand drill will do the trick if you need it to. A cheap little drill press may run you about $45. Hand drills can get pretty fancy, but a lower cost hand drill will run about $30 new. But that $30 can also probably get you a much nicer used drill.
7. VISE
A vise is an awesome tool to have. Anytime you’re working with a handheld grinder, or a hacksaw, it is important to securely mount your workpiece into a vise. A high quality vise can fetch a pretty high price, but I’ve seen many used vises at a much lower price point. An average quality vise often sells new for about $40. Whether you’re grinding a profile or filing a choil, it’s good to know that your blade will stay in place during the process.
8. CLAMPS
A few little clamps don’t seem like much, but they are very helpful in securing handle material to a tang. I’m sure you’ll find many other random uses for these in the shop—I know I do all the time. A few simple clamps may run you about $12 new. In knifemaking, clamps help hold handle material together while epoxy cures.
9. SHARPENING STONE
This should be a given, but you can’t call a knife complete without sharpening it. I recommend a two-sided whetstone that features both a low (400 or so) grit and a high (1000–3000) grit. Take good care of this stone and it will last you quite some time. High quality whetstones can get pretty expensive but you can find a simple whetstone for about $11. Be cautious about buying these used because they can develop pits or uneven sinks when they aren’t properly cared for.
10. COMMUNITY!
And finally, one of the best tools that you can have is the already existing community of knifemakers. Here and there you’ll run into a jerk, but for the most part the modern knifemaking community is one of the most welcoming and helpful groups of people I have ever been exposed to. Whether you’re on social media or at a knife show or convention, fellow knifemakers are often always happy to answer questions to help you get to the next level. There are many different clubs within the broader community that offer a great support system for both beginner and experienced knifemakers. Get out there and soak up all the knowledge you can!
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