Hand Tools
Even though a large number of
operations can be done using power tools, the knifemaker still has to rely on
a number of hand tools and the skill needed to use them correctly. I have
included a basic list of tools that I have found to be invaluable over the
years.
Measuring tools:
Vernier calliper, micrometer, steel
rule, tungsten tipped scribe, small engineer’s steel square, height gauge,
Bench tools:
Small steel anvil, surface plate
(polished block of granite or ribbed cast iron plate) swivel vice, engineer’s
bench vice
Fitting tools:
Tapered and straight reamers, taps and
dies for cutting screw threads, tap holder, die holder,
Holding tools:
Hand vice, needle vice, vice grips
(locking pliers), G clamps,
Shaping and Finishing tools:
Files (bastard, 2nd cut and
smooth). Half round files as well as flat files are needed.
Needle files
Wood and rubber sanding
blocks:
One should be rounded, having the same
rounding as your contact wheel when fitted with a belt; one should be rounded,
with a slightly smaller diameter rounding as your contact wheel. If you are
using more than one contact wheel, you need to make a set for each wheel.
Other tools
A propane torch for soldering and some
tempering operations
Tool Making
The skilled and
enterprising knifemaker has the opportunity to make many of the tools needed
in a knifemaking shop himself. These range from
mechanical hammers to a simple marking gauge.
