OK, so the Mrs and I are zeroing in on a new house (long story) but the upshot to everything is that I am finally going to have some real space for a workshop. It is going to be in the basement and the area does not have handy access to a basement window.

I have wanted to start learning the craft of knifemaking for a very long time, and this is finally my chance. However, I anticipate keeping things clean and keeping the air circulating are going to be challenging.

So, to that end, has anyone ever put in a ventilation system to keep a work-space from getting to smelly and dirty from dust and fumes. And if you did, how did you accomplish it?

I'm open to just about any idea short of explosives, so fire away. And thanks for any creativity you are able to share.

http://www.powermatic.com/us/e...ation-system/1791330

I use one of these in my shop.

Matt

I know nothing about knife making but it would seem that your insurance company might have an issue with a forge in your basement.

quote:

Originally posted by ulsterman:
I know nothing about knife making but it would seem that your insurance company might have an issue with a forge in your basement.

LOL, yes, I certainly imagine they would. I am actually just interested in stock removal right now. A forge might happen off in the future somewhere, but the neighbors would probably mind the hammering anywhere in the near future.

Thanks for the heads up Matt. That looks promising. I was also thinking of some sort of vent to the outside to deal with odor, but that's a nice looking filter unit.

If you wind up venting to the outside keep in mind you'll need makeup air coming in. Also you'll have to watch any any water heaters or furnaces that need a draft to vent because you may pull exhaust air in.

Shop vac with some pvc ducting below your platen and empty once a week. Be mindful of sparks. I have a large fan in a window in one end of the shop that blows “ things” away from me and the grinder towards the open end of the shop. I still wear a respirator. Knife shops are VERRRRY dirty. I don’t think I would ever have one in my dwelling. I have a separate 17x30’ shop building out back.
Get more electricity than you think you will need, 220 if possible, high amp, you WILL add equipment. A separate clean area is nice also just because steel, G-10, Micarta, bone, wood, all the goodies make gnarly dust. Once you get “ bit” real good you will want a good grinder. Research this well as there are good and better. Spend the money on better as the headaches are much less. We can talk more about that later.
Lighting, LOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You NEED lots! That means lots of power once again. Can your breakers handle the load? I found all this out over time as I ran power underground to the shop and there is some things I would have wished I would have known earlier.

I have a 96” bench
2- 48” benches
Drill press
2 vices
2 grinders
Band saw
Compressor
Bead blast cabinet
Buffing wheel
Lots of shelves
50 plus years of tool collection
Lots of light!!!!!

How exiting!! What a great project/ hobby!! Soo much to talk about! Drop me a line and I would LOVE to talk to you more and maybe save some headache and money!! Merry Christmas and good luck!
https://imgur.com/a/89eya
PS I have a KMG and a Northridge grinder. Northridge ALL THE WAY!!!! Trust me.

I went with the Pro package. It IS worth it if you are gonna get serious, if it’s something that you find your not really into, you should not have a problem selling that particular unit as it is quite desirable.
Also there is NO reason to spend that kinda money till you figure out if this something you want to seriously pursue. yea we need to talk....
Jim

I did my first knife on a Harbor Freight 1x30 throw away grinder...........their 4x36" looks like a better machine with more usefulness.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sybo,

Thanks for info sybo.

I am certain it creates a LOT of debris. It's something I've always wanted to do, but unfortunately a separate building just isn't in the cards. I'd love a shop, but it is what it is.

I'll be in touch once I get a better idea of what my resources and room will be.

Or Son In Law lives in Ohio belongs to a blacksmith co-op. Might be an option.

ulsterman, thanks for the tip. A cursory search didn't bring in anything for my area, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

Following this!

Just ran into this on another forum. It's not a cleaner, per se, but it's specially made to bring in fresh air and vent odor from basements when windows aren't readily available. Looks kind of cool.

https://www.tjernlund.com//xchanger_basement_fan.htm

And sybo, I will drop you a line. I am just the definition of assholes and elbows at the moment.

Otto,

I just want to share do please research what kind of filtration/protection you need. I came across some discussion over in bladeforum about the topic.

I only sharpen knives using worksharp belt grinders but I learned you can't be too cautious with the steel dust created. I bought a table filter as I'm doing it in the garage with the dogs.

Some even wear a personal hood system: link

ReyHRH, I am a total believer in respirators already from other things I've done in life. Thanks for the heads up on the hood system. it is intriguing.

I also ran across this thread all about dust collection and air filtration. Thanks for pointing my searches in a more specific direction.

https://www.bladeforums.com/th...-you-do-one.1208254/