A true newby.

[NJStricker]

Gee, you don't give a guy a break, do you?

[chris moore]

[chiger]

I know he's been reading cause he said he'd bought a couple of books in the very first post...unless he bought them for the pretty pictures that is! Dough!!! ;~)

chiger,

[BadKarma]

I really don't mind at all.

I've got 2 books, The $50 Knife Shop and The Complete Bladesmith. I haven't found any videos that have gotten good reviews yet, but will add those when found.

I've been wanting to do this for several years, but didn't have anyplace to set up in. And as an IT Professional I am very familiar with researching information on the Internet and have read a great deal from many web sites.

I also have a full time bladesmith within 30 miles who has offered to let me visit his shop and pester the crap out of him. He also pointed me to a 2 day knifemaking seminar at a local shop that I'm trying hard to get into.

So, yeah, there's a lot going on in the background to get myself going. And I'm enjoying every bit of it!!

Lee

[BadKarma]

I love the pretty pictures!!!!!!!!!

I just wish I could figure out what the funny little symbols mean!!!!!!

Lee

[chiger]

LMAOff Lee! Glad you found a bladesmith nearby. Maybe you could get him to explain what all those squiggly marks mean while your picking his brain. ;~)

Hey man, I think I saw there is a knife show in Springfield this weekend if you get rained out.

chiger,

[BadKarma]

Don't know anything about a knife show, got any information?

The rain appears to have been rerouted and I got the last of the plywood today. Cut down 3 pieces and the floor is done. Will start on the benches Sunday. Will have pics when I get done.

Lee

[chiger]

Just checked Lee. It's actually one of those RK gun and knife shows. It's at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds/E-Plex on Norton road...wherever that is.

They're having a couple more shows there this year too. So if you miss it they'll be at least 2 more according to their web site.

chiger,

[BadKarma]

Okay, yeah they have thosw about every other month. The last couple I went to, there's only 4 or 5 tables of knives.

The floor is done and one of the benches is done also. As promised here are the pics:







We've decided to put up a divider to help knock down the dust from the other part of the shop. I'm also going to put up some slit heavy plastic sheets on the open end and the walk around to help knock down the dust from the power tools. And we decided yesterday to do the rest of the floor in cement.

I got done about noon and since I was covered in sawdust and sweat I got a the bright idea to do something I hadn't done in years. I headed the truck down to a creek that's about 3 miles from me. I grew up on this creek but had not gone swimming in many years. I had forgotten how good it felt. This creek has springs about every 50 yards or so, so the water was about 65 degrees in spots. I'm doing that much more often. I just waded out and plopped down with the water about to my chin and just sat there for 20 mins.

So, all in all, I'm very happy with myself today!!!!!

Lee

[chiger]

Now that's a good day. The shop lives and life is good. What's not to like?!

Man Lee, I'm really starting to get envious of all that space. The shop is looking great.

Oh, dust abatement is a never ending struggle. The more you can do now the better. Good thinking.

chiger,

[spaknives]

Things are lookin awsome Lee! I'm excited for ya. What are ya doin with the other part of the shop? Man that creek story just reminded me what I've been missin'. I grew up with a creek and a pond in our 80 acre field. We would go for a swim all the time as kids and still do once in a great while. Only been one time this year though. Sounds like you've had an excellent day! Shane

[NJStricker]

From the pics it looks like your floor stops underneath those windows, so if you put up a divider it will likely cut down on the amount of light coming into that part of the shop. I assume you planned for lots of overhead lighting.

Looking good!

[BadKarma]

Thanks chiger, several of your suggestions are included or about to be.

Shane, the other half will belong to my brother. This will give us a place to work on the bikes and other projects.

Lee

[BadKarma]

Sorry Nathan, missed the lighting question. We are planning a bunch of 2 bulb 8' fluorescent fixtures and my brother has already gotten me a couple 4 bulb 4' fixtures for the "dirty" room. I'm also going to get some goose neck lights for critical spots. I'll add on where I need to.

Lee