cdent

It probably isn't what you're thinking, but a surprising lot of folks use a wood band saw to cut knife thickness metal. There's a bunch of info on friction cutting around. Basically, you buzz the teeth off any blade then heat from friction does the cut. I think if you go that route, you have to dedicate the saw to metal only and it's not really precision cutting. Be careful to clean up any wood dust that's in there because things can get pretty hot. Maybe still works out better to look into one of the portaband saws. Good luck with it, Craig

It may not be what you're looking for, but you might consider one of the horizontal saws that are set up like a chop saw. Usually, they can be swung up vertical and locked to use like you are thinking. For cut off, if you have it set up, some of them you can walk away and do something else while gravity pushes the arm through the cut. Also, many of them have liquid cooling that can make a big difference in blade life. Prices can be very reasonable if you have time to hunt around for a deal. DoAll would be nice though.

I like the lines of the top one and the positive looking grip. First thing I thought before reading your comments was camp machete. Maybe offer an option of less of a point just in case someone's thinking about a bunch of hacking away. Some folks might like a lanyard hole. Bet that would come in handy for spring turkey season, maybe with some kind of edge guard. Thanks for showing it, Craig

One kind of subtle design theory that one of the high end grinder makers is using, I believe to manage that belt jump and "banana" effect is to put the tracking wheel closer bottom. Supposedly, that's where the belt is under more tension and responds better to tracking control than on the top where resistance against the platen may cause less tension on the part of the belt that's coming off the drive (tracking) wheel. Not picking on your design at all, just came to mind when you described your issues. I'd agree that stiffer and beefier couldn't hurt if you suspect flexing. Thanks again for taking the time, Craig

Just a thought, but can your design bring the two platen idler wheels closer together. A little shorter platen would probably cause less drag/friction, and you can get the belt to wrap with more contact percentage around the drive wheel. I've tried, but not an expert or pro, various ceramic tiles (no granite) for backing on the flat platen and I believe the thinness and possibly less friction of the various high heat glass may be a slight advantage. I haven't run into chipping or breakage. Mostly, I just wanted to mention that I appreciate you taking the time to share the project. Take care, Craig

JJ, Appears fine, but I thought to mention and you probably would know that it may seem to perform very differently in a forge. I'd stick it in your forge and see if it performs like you hope. If it comes up just a tad short, you might consider a flare from one of the forge component vendors. Bet it'll work just fine, Craig

Thanks for developing the topic Ric. I'm glad the Sarver unit is still available, and I'll keep a watch out for your updates here. Take care, Craig

I believe there's a thread by Nick Wheeler on another forum, and I think Steve Culver has a tutorial on his website for that type of small wheel mod. to the KMG. It may be quicker and easier to build from scratch or go the KMG route than to try and adapt a basically two wheel style grinder. Hope you can cure that case of tool envy, Craig

Very interesting idea, good to know there're viable options that are easily doable. I always assumed (I know) that the density of the investment needed vacuum. Maybe more flash or surface finishing without vacuum, but I never thought to try any other way. If someone prefers vacuum, the bay has occasional great deals on vacuum investment mixers, try 'whipmix'. They usually come with the mixing bowl and have a vibration 'arm' built in. Doesn't help with the casting part, but the vacuum tank concept is another great idea. Take care, Craig

Since you're tearing it up anyway, maybe add in a water (hydraulic) hammer just before the filter. Congrats on the kitchen project. Almost done has to be a good feeling, those can be never ending. Craig

Hi Geoff, Would you comment a bit more about the shock issues you were having that led you to hard line your return. Sorry if you had mentioned it before and I missed it. Were you also able to put in that hydraulic hammer that was mentioned in an earlier thread in front of the filter. Since you have a good cushion on the gpm side, could it be that you're developing more pressure than you're thinking. That's a good bit of motor, could it be turning more rpm's than the pump is rated for. I believe it's been sort of figured out that pressure is needed to push through the filter, but it would probably interesting to see what kinds of pressure your filters are getting exposed to. Maybe there's a partial obstruction downstream of the filter, but before it dumps into you tank. Hope it sorts out, and the answer should be helpful to others, Craig

A while back, I did a little bit of checkering with Dembart cutters, and they seem to work well. I picked up a 'jointer' from Brownells, and it turned out to be about the only way I (it's just me) could layout a nice straight starting line or keep some lines straight around curves. A lot of handle materials have excess that needs to be shaped away. Maybe practice on the actual material where you know it'll be ground off, but you can see if it's working ok. For me, practicing on soft wood was very frustrating, a lot of tearing. I couldn't get anything crisp so I couldn't tell if the practice was helping. Good luck with it, I've been thinking about digging up my old stuff lately to play with it again. Take care, Craig

Thanks Jokke. I'll keep a watch out for the new pictures. Craig

Interesting topic and good find Ric. Jokke, does your steam method change the color of the wood, both raw and under your favorite finish. Do you get any color staining from darker woods to lighter ones. Just curious, now and then I luck into some interesting woods that are fresh cut. Thanks much, Craig

Shucks, never met him, but I believe he was a great teacher with amazing things to offer. Heart felt condolences to his family and friends, Craig