Jump to content

What did you do in your shop today?


Joshua States

Recommended Posts

14 hours ago, GEzell said:

I'd read that straight lines are extremely difficult so figured that would be a great first project...:)

My client and I have a theory that the artist who did the original was rather drunk at the time, so I think I hit that low bar with flying colors.

It's not going to be an exact replica, I'm borrowing design elements from several places.

 

Ah yes, I knew I recognized that "pattern" :) I lost the close-up image showing the decoration, so saved it again!

  • Like 1

Jeroen Zuiderwijk

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/barbarianmetalworking

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It started to get easier by the third piece, overall I'd call the results acceptable, though a bit short of professional...

I have an upcoming inlay project, so I think there will be more engraving to come.

IMG_20180819_180450264.jpg

  • Like 2

George Ezell, bladesmith

" How much useful knowledge is lost by the scattered forms in which it is ushered to the world! How many solitary students spend half their lives in making discoveries which had been perfected a century before their time, for want of a condensed exhibition of what is known."
Buffon


view some of my work

RelicForge on facebook
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, GEzell said:

It started to get easier by the third piece, overall I'd call the results acceptable, though a bit short of professional...

I have an upcoming inlay project, so I think there will be more engraving to come.

 

Nice work George. Aim low and overachieve. Works every time!

  • Like 1

“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”

The only bad experience is the one from which you learn nothing.  

 

Josh

http://www.dosgatosdesignsllc.com/#!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg

J.States Bladesmith | Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dos.gatos.71

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JStatesBladesmith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I examined a couple of ideas for my tup design on the hammer build; I need to take another trip to the scrap yard and see what i can find. Hammered out a copper bracelet for myself, and cleared some brush in the plantation and discovered a rust mine of discarded items.  Found a new compressor for the shop to run the power hammer and put 1/2 down on it....guess i am building an air hammer now for sure.

Edited by SteveShimanek
autospell mishap
Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 hours ago, SteveShimanek said:

cleared some brush in the plantation and discovered a rust mine of discarded items

Jeff Foxworthy once said: If you have ever mowed your lawn and found a car...…...

  • Like 1

“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”

The only bad experience is the one from which you learn nothing.  

 

Josh

http://www.dosgatosdesignsllc.com/#!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg

J.States Bladesmith | Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dos.gatos.71

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JStatesBladesmith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've just had my first knife that fought me till the end, well, his end since it ended up in the garbage. It first was a 2" wide santoku but I realized it wasn't properly hardened at heel so I attempted another quench but the edge had become too thin and it waved like a bacon. So, I normalized and reground it into a 5" petty, 1" wide and quenched it again. Now that I just finished grinding it, I did a brass rod test since the edge was nearly zero. It bent and kept the bend...

It's weird, I don't know where I went wrong. It had a pretty cool hamon. I probably underheated.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Made my first chips on the new mill. Tried squaring up a block of steel. the mill works great!

cvlTJGFHRg2XieCYsclcGw.jpg

Jeff H.
CFI/CFII/MEI
KE7ZMH

"Give a man fire and he will be warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he will be warm for the rest of his life."

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had a failure on a new knife, have a habit of resting knives sideways on my index and tapping/bouncing the blade on my kitchen counter......testing the springyness or something I guess...

Anyway, picked up a funny vibration  on one knife but I couldn't figure out what was going on...

It's simple full-tang with micarta scale, turns out it was a slight design fault since the blade is 4mm spring steel it can bend a bit, and the scales went too far forward past the pin onto the thin part at the finger choil.

While flexing the glue let go a bit......here's the good news.

After managing to punch out the front pin....quite a struggle......and wedging Stanley blades inbetween the tang and the scales as far as possible (halfway), the handle still wouldn't come loose.

Even at this point it could still be a functional knife.

I user Epidermix 372 slow set epoxy and file 3 notches into all my pins to form glue locks, glad I got the chance to test the construction.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I added weight to the base of my power hammer. By doing so i raised it up a few inches... I know it's a no-no to stack weight on the anvil, but it was my only choice. I need to add more weight to the anvil, and add length to the aluminium drive wheel, but it will work fine as is until I get around to it.

Next I'm gonna coredrill the floor and set some 1" bolts in anchoring cement to hold it all snug. Then I'll paint it again.

20180824_170242.jpg

20180824_170234.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm not really sure about this, but I think I might be getting the hang of tis TIG thing.

Bottom welds (1).JPG

“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”

The only bad experience is the one from which you learn nothing.  

 

Josh

http://www.dosgatosdesignsllc.com/#!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg

J.States Bladesmith | Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dos.gatos.71

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JStatesBladesmith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The more you do it the more you will feel the Zen of the puddle and flow of the filler rod............:ph34r:;)B)

If ya can't be good don't git caught  !!                                        People who say stuff can't be done need to

                                                                                                        git the hell outta the way of people who do stuff   !!!

Show me a man who is called an expert by his peers         

And I will show you a good man to listen to ......

Show me a man who calls himself an expert

and I will show you an egotistical asshole...............!!

 

                             

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I made two casting flask molds.

IMG_20180826_155809271.jpg

  • Like 2

“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”

The only bad experience is the one from which you learn nothing.  

 

Josh

http://www.dosgatosdesignsllc.com/#!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg

J.States Bladesmith | Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dos.gatos.71

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JStatesBladesmith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We had a long weekend, Monday off.

Heat treated 3 of my own and 3 blades of a friend on Friday evening.

I don't know what I did on Saturday and Sunday, but it wasn't productive......

Glued up the handles of the 3 blades yesterday, and during this process can to the conclusion that I should stop for the time being.  

Life is definitely getting in the way of making knives currently, but no use injuring myself and/or making bad knives, rather avoid more disappointments. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On ‎8‎/‎28‎/‎2018 at 12:25 AM, Gerhard said:

I don't know what I did on Saturday and Sunday, but it wasn't productive......

Mental health days maybe?

  • Like 1

“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”

The only bad experience is the one from which you learn nothing.  

 

Josh

http://www.dosgatosdesignsllc.com/#!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg

J.States Bladesmith | Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dos.gatos.71

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JStatesBladesmith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Circumstances being what they are, I've been spending a lot more free time working with wood instead of metal.

The Mrs. needed seats made for her class. I made some last month, and three came back for repairs today.This one got reengineered with a couple hacksaw blades as springs. 

Pic 2 is dresser pieces I'm repurposing into a sandpaper organizer because I finally have dedicated shop space, and it looks like bitter divorce proceedings in there with all the random stuff strewn about. 

PSX_20180829_183430.jpg

PSX_20180829_183549.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's starting to come together....

Existing langsax sheaths are extremely rare, and none I've seen quite fit the period and culture I was aiming for, so I made stuff up...:). Now to trim and place 33 rivets and start on the baldric.

IMG_20180829_180144606.jpg

George Ezell, bladesmith

" How much useful knowledge is lost by the scattered forms in which it is ushered to the world! How many solitary students spend half their lives in making discoveries which had been perfected a century before their time, for want of a condensed exhibition of what is known."
Buffon


view some of my work

RelicForge on facebook
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, GEzell said:

It's starting to come together....

Existing langsax sheaths are extremely rare, and none I've seen quite fit the period and culture I was aiming for, so I made stuff up...:). Now to trim and place 33 rivets and start on the baldric.

 

What thickness of sheet are you using for the furniture? I assume it's brass? Also, what are you using for the rivets? Brass nails, or making them out of brass rod? What thickness?

 

Jeff H.
CFI/CFII/MEI
KE7ZMH

"Give a man fire and he will be warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he will be warm for the rest of his life."

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, jheinen said:

What thickness of sheet are you using for the furniture? I assume it's brass? Also, what are you using for the rivets? Brass nails, or making them out of brass rod? What thickness?

 

I'm using phosphorus bronze, it's pretty close to the old tin/copper mix used historically and has a nice gold color... It also work hardens nicely.  Most of it is .02 inch thickness, except for where the rings attach which is .032 inch for extra strength.  I'm using simple 1/8" brass solid rivets.

Edited by GEzell

George Ezell, bladesmith

" How much useful knowledge is lost by the scattered forms in which it is ushered to the world! How many solitary students spend half their lives in making discoveries which had been perfected a century before their time, for want of a condensed exhibition of what is known."
Buffon


view some of my work

RelicForge on facebook
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Technically my last day at work, but I've been booked off.

Falling apart due to stress, and severe sinusitis due to a very dusty August with the pollen of early Spring....

@Joshua States yes mental health days......exactly. 

When the mind and the snot allows, I got a few things down......

IMG-20180830-WA0023.jpeg

IMG-20180830-WA0031.jpeg

IMG-20180830-WA0033.jpeg

IMG-20180831-WA0006.jpeg

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Gerhard I am loving those colors. What is that?

  • Thanks 1

“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”

The only bad experience is the one from which you learn nothing.  

 

Josh

http://www.dosgatosdesignsllc.com/#!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg

J.States Bladesmith | Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dos.gatos.71

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JStatesBladesmith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, loving those @Gerhard

  • Thanks 1

"The way we win matters" (Ender Wiggins) Orson Scott Card

 

Nos qui libertate donati nescimus quid constat

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I finished up a blade and handle over the weekend.....and got the handle welded on my bowie.

I just ordered some scales for the bowie. I am bored at work ...I may edit in a pic.

Any one know what kind of wood is on the handle that I just finished?

My wood guy just called it mystery wood.

As far as the bowie....I have only seen one other frame handle build and off memory it didnt involve a welder.

Is there any reason I would not want to do it this way for future reference.

I didn't see any reason to do more than tack it...its not going anywhere.

 

MYSTERY1.jpg

MYSTERY2.jpg

MYSTERY3.jpg

burlbowie.jpg

Edited by Kreg
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On ‎9‎/‎5‎/‎2018 at 11:00 AM, Kreg said:

Is there any reason I would not want to do it this way for future reference.

I didn't see any reason to do more than tack it...its not going anywhere.

I have never tack welded a frame onto a tang before and I have made quite a few frame handled knives. I do not see how you are going to shape the scales or pin them through the frame to each other at this point. Typically, I build my frame handles off of the knife, finish them 99% of the way (the only thing left to do is dome or flatten the pins) and then assemble the handle onto the blade.

How are you planning to finish the handle?

“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”

The only bad experience is the one from which you learn nothing.  

 

Josh

http://www.dosgatosdesignsllc.com/#!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg

J.States Bladesmith | Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dos.gatos.71

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JStatesBladesmith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 9/8/2018 at 9:23 PM, Joshua States said:

I have never tack welded a frame onto a tang before and I have made quite a few frame handled knives. I do not see how you are going to shape the scales or pin them through the frame to each other at this point. Typically, I build my frame handles off of the knife, finish them 99% of the way (the only thing left to do is dome or flatten the pins) and then assemble the handle onto the blade.

How are you planning to finish the handle?

I am a little concerned that I may scratch the guard....and am a little concerned at how thick the handle its self is.

Having said that my competition blade is the same material/thickness and it feels nice in the hand.

I have it drilled for 2 pins. I think I can make it happen....if not I can always para-cord it.

It was originally a hidden tang. The knife got knocked to the floor the very day I put it on on the alumalight exploded.

Then I cracked one peening the pin. Then had a third one fail in testing.

So this is round 4. lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Kreg said:

I am a little concerned that I may scratch the guard.

This is why frame handles are typically finished off the knife.

Here is my advice, take it or leave it.

Open Google and type "site: bladesmithsforum.com + frame handle" in the search bar and hit enter.

There are some excellent WIP threads here on frame handle design and construction.

 

  • Like 1

“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”

The only bad experience is the one from which you learn nothing.  

 

Josh

http://www.dosgatosdesignsllc.com/#!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg

J.States Bladesmith | Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dos.gatos.71

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JStatesBladesmith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...