cool, some interesting info there thanks, will help when I am in a position to get myself a grinder of some sort, a few things I hadn't considered in there, I do have a small floor sander I use for odd bits of cleaning up and agree Zircona belts are the best cost vs effectiveness even on that small machine, well worth the extra cost over oxide
Well I bought the revolution 4 about a month ago and haven't had a chance to put it together so your video series will be timed perfectly for me. Looking forward to it.
I think knife makers need to put more effort into ‘fine particle,’ steel-dust collection. Trust me your set-up isn’t cutting it, neither is mine by the way, I am working on it as we speak. Just stick a couple of magnets up in the shop and you will be blown away by how much fine airborne steel particles there are. A lot of guys think their steel dust is heavy and drops down…not the case. This is separate from the fine crap stabilized wood and synthetics put out too. Putting a bucket on the floor in a knife shop is like shovelling snow in a hurricane.
@@Aleeknives I’ve built a dedicated grinding room, and I am working on ceiling dust extraction for fine dust, and ground level extraction with spark arrestors for the heavy hot stuff. And of course, even when all that is figured out, I will still be wearing a P100 respirator👍.
I just saw your hand tool knife video, Did you take it down because your son was in it? RU-vid is annoying, It was an amazing video and the dagger came out nice.
Dang, I'm too late! lol I just got a bunch of grinders in stock and was browsing around looking for RU-vidrs to send them to. Hey Brian is a super great guy!
I would say that a 2x72 is a necessity. Like I get the advice if you're just trying it out you don't need to buy one, and when you first start making knives you don't need one. You can literally get by with just a hack saw and some files and sand paper. But the 2x72 is 100% something you should save up to buy as soon as you can if this is something you want to do more seriously. The availability of belts, the different attachments, the entire system, being able to control the motor. Those are all game changers that I wish I had MUCH soon in my adventure of learning how to make knives and make a business out of it.
I always keep some 60 and 120g zirconia belts around as they're extremely cheap and will do all the intermediate hardness stuff like G10, Micarta, copper alloys, some steel and a bit of wood without missing a beat and will generally be 'good enough' to last a while. Plus any savings you can get on abrasives- you take it! Don't have an exact figure on just how much the rack of belts ranging from 36-600grit and full set of scotchbriites is worth but its more than my grinder Just as an outside opinion, the 72's get a lot of love for good reason, but if you're new to all this and maybe not going to spend as much, you can get a full equipped 2x48 with all the wheels, adjustable platens, horizontal adjust, VFD, 3hp motor for about 2/3rds the cost of a 2x72. With some adjustment I can also run 2x60 and 2x72's on it as well. The nice thing I find is that they're a much smaller surface area in the workplace and do all the things you can on the bigger machines. But don't cheap out, find out whats the best value for your money and that may be like Airin said- building your own from a parts kit is potentially going to get you something very good
@@Aleeknives The other thing to consider is getting 50-80kg of grinder from the US to Australia is big money, plus with a local manufactured machine made here it means I don't have to rewire it to 240v and spares are always available. I mean, its literally 'my job' so if a machine goes down its not just a case of waiting a month for spares, its a huge financial hit, whereas they can get a spare motor, wheel or anything else over-night to me
I'd be happy to buy one of them old Grinders from you if you were interested in selling it to put one of the housemade Grinders in its place. Ive been making knives for a couple years now and still stuck with a 2x42 and a 4x36, if I had a 2 x 72 I would donate both of those to somebody just starting out
I am working to start a non-profit that hosts free Knife making workshops for veterans. 22 of my brothers and sisters in arms commit suicide every day and knifemaking helped me and i think it can definitly help others. I hate to be the guy with a sob story but i happily put my pride away to try to make a difference for them, if that information sways your decision at all then it was totally worth it
Awesome video! I have 2 cheap vertical belt sanders. One from Lowe’s which is 3/4 hp that I use to hog off material. I have a very cheap one from harbor freight. I use it for more detail work. I’ve only been making knives for a few months.... gotta start somewhere I guess. They work but I’d love a setup like yours! I’ll be using your code on that site. I buy my belts from them
Huge fan of the belt eraser. I'm still not into a 2x72 yet. I've been filing and using grinders to get my stock off after forging. I really appreciate that you share your knowledge, that's huge! I look forward to seeing your videos and I hope you and yours are good!
Great grinder but trying to get replacement wheels from the guy is like impossible! It takes a very specific bearing that he uses for the small wheel attachment I've tried to get the replacement Wheels three times now and have not had any luck.
I needed tools I didnt have, and skills I didnt have, lol. Its stretching me out, and taking longer than I thought, but in the end I will have gained much more than a belt grinder. House has been responsive to my questions, so really the weak link has been me. I still have to find someone local to weld it up, everything else will be me though.
I really like ur content-great tips as I’m starting transition from a filing jig to grinder. Thanks! Btw just to help with your content-the echoing of ur voice is a killer in the shop
What a great video, Airin! Very informative, and plenty I didn't;t know about. Thanks, dude! I'm totally down with the Revolution build series - that's going to be a real highlight playlist! I can't wait to see the fruits of you and Brian's efforts come together. Two of my favourite RU-vid creators coming together. Awesome job, men! Glad to have you back in the shop, too. 🤜💥🤛 I'm so pleased for you that your channel is blowing up!!!!
That’s how I started out by using separate belts for wood,micarta and blades. Lots of great tips you hand out. I have to get me one of those erasers. Is there a better eraser I can buy or are they all the same. Where did you get yours. Thanks brother.
@@Aleeknives I live nearby Solingen in Germany. If you ever got the Chance to make it over here, visiting the " Klingenmuseum " is a must for every Bladesmith! ;)
Just got the Rev 4 delivered yesterday and hope to get it put together next week. I'm not a knife maker but have been fascinated with it ever since I was a kid and saw a man forge a knives from old rr spikes at Silver Dollar City. I figure now that I'm approaching 50 I better get going on it. Thanks for the content you put out and keep it up it's greatly appreciated.
Perfect timing! I plan on ordering the Revolution grinder build kit next month. I’ve already purchased the motor and vfd, really looking forward to the build and getting to use a machine that’s only limited by my ability, not the other way around.
Awesome videos! I'm new and just finished the revolution and it's a great machine and I'm learning everyday from you guys. Thanks for your time I'll use your links for sure
I was gonna tell ya KMG has made a doublestack feature to add on to your grinder(game changer), but that houseworks should take care of all of that. I remember when Brian was prototyping the ideas for the 1st one. It's been pretty wild watching him progress over time. Can't wait to see that bad boy in action. Hope all is well, take it easy.
Great stuff man, if I had a welder I honestly would have already started buying everything needed for that kit. Looks like you could easily sell your 2 other grinders right here in the comments. I'd definitely be interested.