question from a first time maker

[TroyH]

Ok, after lurking on this forum for a while, I've just got to try making one of my own, so I've got a couple of basic questions.  
I've got several 10" circular saw blades just waiting for me to restore some form of life to them.
My question is, what basic steps do I need to take with treating the metal?
Is any heat treating necessary, or can a saw blade be used as is?
Is a grinder what most use to get an initial edge started?

[theunluckyhunter]

Originally posted by theunluckyhunter:
i dnot know of a build along but besides heat treating your imagination is the limit.

to anneal the blades even though it isnt very precise you can actually use your bbq pit, you want to get the steel to nonmagnetic which is glowing orange, you want it to where a magnet wont stick to it.

after you get it to nonmagnetic put it in a bucket of wood ash with some hot coals mixed in, the point is to cool it as slow as possible.

the next day when it is cool it will be soft enough to work, get it ground how you want and the pins drilled.

next you need to take it to nonmagnetic again, once it's there you can quench it in warm (around 120 degrees f) transmission fluid, dip it edge down and DONT touch the bottom of the pan with the edge.

after hardening it will be very brittle so yo will need to temper it (while wife is away shopping) put it in the oven for two one hour cycles at 375.


sorry for the choppy walk through im kind of in a hurry

i posted this for another guy a couple of days ago

[TroyH]

This may be a stupid question, but why transmission fluid, and will water or another fluid work?

[theunluckyhunter]

most oils should work. transmission fluid will do a proper hardening job and the steel wont crack. (besides it cheap) lol

[chiger]

Hey Lucky,

Less chance of devoice if you use peanut or vegetable oil.  You can just claim you burnt the cheese toast!  ;~)

[theunluckyhunter]

chiger, are you a mamber over at KN?

[chiger]

Hey Luck,

Yep, that's me.  

A client and friend turned me on to the Trad Gang when he found out I've been shooting bows longer than I've been making knives.  Very cool site.  

Just been lurking for a while, but couldn't resist stopping by the makers forum.  

I take it you are too.

[theunluckyhunter]

yep, i don't post much, just read alot. anytome you post i read though i really enjoy learning from you

[chiger]

Thanks lucky.  

But if it was you that ask the twins about posting the makers mark thread over here...you're well on you way.  

I think your quickly moving past the point where you need my help.

[theunluckyhunter]

are you talking about armory414? not me, my display name is chris moore over there.

i posted one knife on there that was probably my 5th knife. ALOT of improvement since then.

[chiger]

Yep, mistook you for Nathan.  Oops.  But I remember you know.  

Took the liberty of lookin' up the bokote knife you posted.  You were being pretty hard on your self at the time.  And I told you I thought so!

I'd like to see some of your work now.  There was a unique style to that knife I liked.  I'll bet you've really got it down by now.

I bet it'd be a great inspiration to new guys like Pastor here that are where you were 5 months ago.

Maybe we should start a thread for guys to post their first knife and their newest one.  Maybe a "You Can Get There From Here" sort of thread so the new guys can see it can be done.

Just a thought?

[theunluckyhunter]

that could do. let me get some some pictures up.


you have to post your first too! lol

[gitnbetr]

What is KN?

Midland Lee, 1965

[chiger]

Will do Lucky.  

Still have and use it.  It's a little beat up after 30 years, but it's my favorite. Not sure what to post as the newest though.  Got a dozen or so in the works.  Oh, I know!  Ok, got it!  When ever you're ready.

Hey, Mike.  

KN is a Knife makers forum where a bunch of mostly makers hang out, exchange info, ideals and network.  Google Knife Making and you'll figure it out. Not sure I should post it here...so I won't. ;~)

[gitnbetr]

Done! My 2 oldest grandsons, 9 and 10, are excited to see how we can make a knife, so I'm looking for all the info I can get. We need something to warm the winter in Ohio.

Thanks

[theunluckyhunter]

gitnbetr, permian 2011


go mojo!

[gitnbetr]

Lucky,

great traditions. good on ya