Do a YouTube search for Portland Razor Company. They must have 50 videos up and talk about every facet of straight razors. I stopped in and talked with them and they are very good about telling you anything you need.
Erik
The steel band that holds the oven together can be tightened. Have you tried something easy like pushing the brick back into place and retightening the band? Even our ovens need a little TLC once in a while.
Erik
Kevin, I know pics can be diseptive, but the first one of the 12” wheel appears that the bar is slightly twisted. The 12” wheel would magnify this problem and may way to shove your belt in a certain direction. You may want to check the shaft just to rule it out.
Erik
Call your steel provider. I happen to buy bulk from a supplier and they have a great store front but not everything they sell is in it. You want to make sure you have enough to get the job done when you start your project. Will 4” really draw out to what you need and give you room to work?
Erik
You didn’t say where your tracking your belt. Letting it hang over will soften the plung line. If your not tracking the same amount on both sides it can give you fits.
On top of it all he’s using mild steel which won’t make a decent knife either.
You can get started in knife making pretty cheap if you pursue the forum.
Erik
I bought my KO18 with Tap controls about 6 months ago. I love the oven and it can be a rocket if you want the temp to climb fast.
When I bought it, I was told the the difference between the KO and KF was two things. One, the walls in the KO are a little thicker. I went and measured mine and...
Ed, if you want it to be less painful, start thinking about it in Knife units... how many blades do I have to sell to do this. In your case that's only one! And you love making knives!
Calvin, you keep setting the bar pretty high for the rest of us. You better be carful because one day you might not be able to make it over yourself. :)
Great finish to a great knife
Erik