Making a Knife on one of the BEST 5-AXIS Machines

I spent 2 days in Germany at Kern, and it was a blast! I learned something new each day that I was there, and met some really great and intelligent people. This video is my first day at Kern where I get to make a Grimsmo knife on a Kern Micro 5-axis machine. These machines are known as some of the BEST in the whole world! And I was really honored to get a chance to play with one. Shout out to Marvin, who stuck with us for most of the trip, and led me through the process of using a Kern Micro. Keep an eye out for DAY 2! Coming SUPER soon!
------------------------
Our Products: www.grimsmokniv...
John Grimsmo Knives Instagram: / johngrimsmoknives
Erik Grimsmo Instagram: / erik_grimsmoknives
------------------------
Gear we use:
Canon M50
Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder
Rode VideoMicro Directional Recorder with Dead Cat
JOBY GorillaPod Compact Tripod with Ballhead
------------------------
Angelo Fisher Instagram: / afisherknives
Erin Kelly Instagram: / producingerin
Skye: / skyemfg
Jo (pronounced Yo): / jovonrosen
Music from: www.epidemicso...
Music by:
Sebastian Forslund: Bring Out The Thunder (Instrumental Version) (Intro Music)
Ooyy: Heliolingus
Daniel Kadawatha: Lost in America (Instrumental Version)
For more Epidemic Sound music: link.epidemicso...

[@ThatOneGuySometime]

When checking surface texture like you were after that surfacing pass at 9:53, put a plastic grocery bag over your finger and then check. Any irregularities will be made much more apparent. Learned that from a car detailer, and applied it to my manufacturing tech classes. It works.

[@angrydragonslayer]

The plastic garbage bags you can get in rolls of 25-50 are cheaper and rip easily

[@xenonram]

"... And I made cake, so that's the awesome thing." I like this guy.

[@anchorbait6662]

Haha I just commented basically the same thing. How cool is that guy? :)

[@nixie2462]

The cake is better than the machinery around for sure! (no irony). Is it a High Precision Cake? XD

[@JohnnyProfit13]

John, your passion is unparalleled! It's so fantastic to be able to watch that brain of yours grow and begin to implement and improve your already amazing designs. Imagine if we would have been able to watch Pablo Picasso learn to paint with new oils. This is modern day art. This is a modern day artist honing perfection.

[@diGritz1]

Wow that'll never happen again. Garmisch is one of the 2 places in Germany I stayed visiting a friend in the US Army back in 85. The skiing was incredible. It was also the first place I used a snowboard.

[@mannycalavera121]

Heidenhain are beautiful controls.

[@automan1223]

The battle for machining supremacy between Germans & Swiss, back in the day. they used to see who could drill the smallest hole. So the Germans would take the smallest drill the Swiss could make and they would drill a hole in the back of the shank of the bit, handing it back to the Swiss. The Swiss would take the German bit and send it back with an even smaller hole. This back and forth went on for years. 1mm hole is small but they have much smaller threads they can do.

[@theexchipmunk]

1mm is even by industry standards not really small. Kern machines for example are so ridiculous you can drill a hole through a human hair. The bits are so extremely fragile that you are not allowed to use the automatic tool changer as it would break the bit. With air friction.

[@Hendreh1]

Once French Scientists fabicated the worlds thinnest wire . Then Germans turned a thread on it and drilled a hole trough.

[@Wat-Dat]

@@Hendreh1 This is an urban legend. The original legend states the wire was made in Newburgh New York, and a rival from upstate drilled the hole. I think you added the thread part? Either way, its not true, but it's a fun myth.

[@joeygonzo]

the winner has the best pistols

[@anchorbait6662]

You had me at "and I made cake"

[@ActiveAtom]

Hi nice share John, enjoyed the nice machine tour. Thank you. Lance & Patrick.

[@dubzy4883]

And now you have your own Kern.... Levels!!

[@paulmace7910]

Love that tool changer!

[@Why_Dude_Why]

Note Well at 3:43: "We have one person buillding an entire machine because we want it to be an interesting job for them and not just doing the same thing day after day" (paraphrase). If more American manufacturers made serious efforts to apply that one simple concept perhaps there wouldn't be 100,000's of manufacturing jobs going begging in the US. How many people have left the trade and the industry because loading and unloading parts all day for weeks on end is enough to make person go postal. In other words, treat your employees like human beings not robots and maybe they'll stick around longer.

[@prodigy750]

I remember watching these guys when they were still in their parents garage using their small grizzly mill and lathe with stepper motor upgrades....They’ve sure come a LONG WAY!!!!

[@alfredo151000]

Awesome company , very clean. Thank you Jhon gretting from Peru.

[@kevinkillsit]

What a rad experience! I really appreciate you sharing this dude. That machine seems really well thought out and 100% geared for precision, user control, and feedback. That tool changer is epic. Kern really wasn't on my radar before, but I'm sure glad they are now. Honestly. I never really thought about the orientation of the tool holder in the spindle making much of a difference in the vibration, but I guess when you're trying to do what they are EVERYTHING matters. Pretty clever with the indexing, but it leaves me wondering if they can't come up with a better 'poka yoke' so you don't put it in 180 like you said. The laser is good and low mass change which is important not to induce a vibration change in the balancing, but I wonder if there is a better way to make sure you put it in only 1 way and not depend on operator input to check the laser marking. In my experience operators will always mess it up eventually haha. Cheers, can't wait to see the tour!

[@Juxtaposed1Nmotion]

to answer your poke a yoke question the answer is, balance. Off setting the tool holder in anyway throws it way out at high RPM which what these little tools have to run at. Small Diameter means less surface footage.

[@aserta]

The fact that it gives live feedback seems amazing for someone still stuck in the early 90s as tech goes. :) One day.

[@yusdiy]

3:40 The workers wears bubble wraps around them, no wonder its so clean. Thumbs up Kern.

[@joeygonzo]

lol . they have assisted air breathing masks

[@yusdiy]

Noted, will buy that.

[@spikeypineapple552]

Reason you have those steps is the tram error in the head. Get a tech in, get your machine levelled and the column and table aligned.

[@TOXIXIFY]

Or too much tool pressure to some degree.

[@offuttjr]

Awesome thanks for sharing … John … i have been following from day one quite a long time ago … what you and many others have done have accelerated my journey in countless ways. In the next few years i will follow along in your footsteps as i put my shop together, again thanks

[@franciscoanconia2334]

Regarding the aluminum framing..... it will of course be very rigid but ALSO it will vibrate and send all the micro-vibrations to the base, wich is of course made of nodular cast iron with EXTRA graphite. That creates a base which will absorb and dampen all the vibrations. That's a MUST for surface finishing.

[@robertqueberg4612]

This is one of the deepest red colors that I have seen. Oh yes, the machine tools are amazing as well. This not a place for +/-.0005”

[@jareddahlseid551]

I like how the classroom inspires learning and creativity with stark white walls and echo location LOL.

[@bcbloc02]

So was the base of that machine concrete? Should be pretty well dampned I would think.

[@ruthpenner6995]

As far as I can tell, it's the gravel of concrete but with an epoxy binder/

[@aarondickenson7146]

Looking forward to seeing what kind of watch designs you guys come up with. :)

[@Lynx-lo2vw]

Amazing video John, love seeing the progression from stride to stride, the podcast is amazing also.

[@aarondcmedia9585]

This machine looks incredible, thanks so much for sharing with us.

[@aserta]

When you get the Micro, finish it, and engrave a flag of the two countries of origin on the handle. And hang that piece on the wall or on the machine itself.

[@FabFunty]

0:03 He almost tried the full name but then decided that _Garmisch-Partenkirchen_ is a little bit to hard to pronounce for his Canadian tongue 🤣

[@detectorguy]

Excellent video as always...would like to see more uploads more often...love your stuff and that hex honeycomb pattern is awesome, I might use that style for a project myself.

[@mattinkel7342]

Your Tornos will be arriving any day now I guess :D

[@AidanShaffer]

Driving and filming. Such a good habit to have.

[@glazetoolandengineeringinc4050]

So I got on their website (hard to find...) and after about 10 minutes of trying find their product line of machines I gave up. I would love to see what they have to offer but their web site sucks really bad. It's a whole lot of nothing.

[@movax20h]

I found all info very easily on their website. Here is general overview: www.kern-microtechnik.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MachineComparison.pdf , here are details for Kern Micro Vario www.kern-microtechnik.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MicroVario_eng-1.pdf Each machine is built to order, so really if you want to know more, you need to call them, and they will be happy to help.

[@kenread9315]

Am I missing something? Does knife making support the expense of the caliber of machines you acquire? Did you win a lottery or do you have a large inheritance?

[@zurich264]

He sells $1,000 knives and is on the second thousandth one... Id say knife making supports the machines

[@brandongill8]

Can't wait to use the Kern micro when it comes in July!

[@marouanebenderradji137]

I am a student and just for curiosity how much did it cost you ?

[@JohnoLapse]

That's the only Norseman that's not "proudly made in Canada 🇨🇦"

[@theexchipmunk]

If it comes to quality machines germany has always been the home of it. Do you know the whole story how the Brits fucked themselves over by inventing Made in Germany?

[@movax20h]

@@theexchipmunk KERN started making machines only in late 80s. Just saying. From the start they were focused on very rigid and temperature stable machines, for very precise works, and serial production, where every part is to spec.

[@forloop7713]

@MrKalashnik0va post ww2 Japan would like to have a word with you

[@DanielPierce]

You’ve toured 2 of my 3 favorite CNC companies in the last month or so, Kern and Tornos, the only one left is Datron...

[@xConundrumx]

and DMG Mori .. I suggest having a look at the Monoblock series

[@anchorbait6662]

3:40 they have very blurry people that work there.

[@joeygonzo]

he did not sign the waiver. a german actor

[@bigbird2100]

So having a 25,000rpm spindle and high accuracy and ridged frame makes a better knife.

[@metinsalihorhan115]

Yes, high accuracy makes a better knife :)

[@alexxxx802]

*42,000rpm

[@movax20h]

42000rpm

[@callmeasuka5849]

I´m curently working on DMG Mori machines used for the industry, i think these machines are quit capable for small parts but i think they aren´t that rigid, i wonder if they use linear drives or screw driven axis

[@bmonty65]

Any idea who manufactures Martins tool box??

[@niemand1239]

I don't get it why is this one of the best 5-axis machines? the manufacture claims that the machine is accurate within ± 0.5 μm. Its impressive that is for sure but is it still the same accuracy if it is milling full 5-axis? If it is milling 3-axis it's accurate that is for sure but that accuracy has almost every modern machine if it is milling 3-axis. To be clear this is the first time i heard of Kern. And i'm not saying that it is a bad machine i'm just wondering why he called it one of the best? I know Yasda's are one of the most if not the most accurate machine out there and i'm not sure if this machine can compete with a Yasda? Again just wondering :P

[@chrisyboy666]

Tim no machine can compete with a yasda

[@hephaistosthesmith2069]

kerns 5 axis mills are accurate + - .5 micrometres even when run in 5 axis not just 3, most of yasdas tech is copied from swiss/germans, like they did with their steel manufacturing by buying out thyssens blueprints and ovens

[@movax20h]

15:52 Funny to see bubbling oil on the trunnion. Gas seals.

[@krazykillar4794]

You lucky bastard ! Honestly bro, you killed it my man. Im subscribing , well done 👏 You must have asked them how much it costs ! How much is the base price ? I know they offer upgrades and they have a 160000 rpm version too.

[@kingofhearts3703]

Wow! Wait a second John. You said that the end of that endmill had a M1 tapped hole? HOW? Did they tap it? Or threadmill? black magic? and on which machine? Please ask them. Love your vids John

[@chrisyboy666]

Cnc Houtfrezen graphite electrode with the specific thread then you spark erode it out

[@larrytchogninou5438]

Is that blade made of aluminium ?

[@giannipetrocelli472]

How much does a Kern cost?

[@movax20h]

Nobody knows really, because it depends on some many things, like options, tool changers, robot stations, and other features in the machine. But probably around 200000$ for KERN Micro, possibly a bit more, but less than 300000$ probably.

[@kanoa9321]

I don’t know much about knives, but why do you need a 5 axis to make your knives? Seems like an expensive want not a need. If your trying to increase production and money burning a hole a horizontal with a tombstone would make more sense.

[@JustinTopp]

So could you just put in a program and make basically what ever you want if it could fit? It would be cool to make stifling engines in this

[@hephaistosthesmith2069]

thats the point of a 5 axis mill, you can produce anything if weight and size is compatible with the machine

[@movax20h]

@@hephaistosthesmith2069 In real life, the main point of 5 axis mill is to have less operations and changes of workpieces. This is why they are merged with robototic cells to hold workpieces and pallets, and big tool changer library. This way there is very little downtime, and because of how accurate these machines are you can leave them unattended and they can operate whole night without anybody around, and make complex parts. Huge cost saver, and your end pieces are to spec. Sure, they are also useful to make complex shapes, but it all depends on application, and level of precision required.

[@hephaistosthesmith2069]

@@movax20h thats the in-depth answer, and i fully agree, i dont work with milling machines anymore i work with huge lathes, but i had multiple cnc courses for 5 axis milling machines, the only thing that sets you back is your imagination on those wonderful machines

[@GeneralF34R]

The cake is a lie!

[@davidh9585]

Great video John, I really enjoyed watching it while playing with my new Norseman! I think one of the most meaningful takeaways I had from watching this video is the difference in culture at least from the United States standpoint. Here a reasonably intelligent young man has a very respectable job operating ultra high-end equipment. I also suspect that he has not looked down on by his peers and family for having a “ machinists” job. I think that is in stark contrast to the US where he would be considered “blue-collar” in a very pejorative fashion. I’d love to know if he went to a trade school or if you want to university to learn how to do that.

[@MarvGro]

Dear David, being a skilled worker is always appreciated in Germany, no matter the collar-colour (Ha!) :) Thank you for the kind words. I have a Masters degree in Materials Science and am very lucky that Kern has enough trust in me to let me operate the machines. It has been an incredible experience so far. I picked up machining as a side job to finance my studies and got hooked - enter Kern! Hope this answers your question.

[@SgtKong]

F'n right bro, new toys!

[@ta2dmacabre]

Been a machinist for 35+ years and I’ve worked with a lot of different controllers... Heidenhain are the LEAST favorite I’ve worked with... I love fanuc

[@soggybottomboys2792]

where can i get that tool box foam?

[@kubitron]

Heidenhain interface same as on CNC made in 90's that I am working on :P

[@randyratliff9598]

That is one bad assed machine!!

[@christoph72761]

Oh dear. Someone is going to write a big (down payment) check soon LOL Cheers!

[@jimsvideos7201]

Neat!

[@forgedbydragon9683]

Lmao just clicked on the video not seeing who it was never seen this channel and when they got to to scale and blade killing I was like wait is that a grimsmo Norseman lmfao

[@sarmik13]

I bet he told you that you should make your fixture from hardened tool steel. 😀

[@danl.4743]

What is the cost of that machine???

[@aserta]

If you have to ask...you know the line.

[@danl.4743]

@@aserta That's why I asked. :)

[@stevendoesburg6555]

I think the Kern Pyramid Nano comes in at around 500k, although I can't find where I read that and the total cost can vary widely depending on options. The Micro is likely a good bit less.

[@gusbisbal9803]

15:23 in the top right of the grey box. "Ubersicht" English translation. This mill is total sick.

[@movax20h]

It is so weird to be hear American units used on Kern factory floor.

[@pieterveenders9793]

Actually they're British units. The strange thing is, the UK has moved away from the imperial system ever since the 70's, they still use it somewhat, especially the old people, but ever since the 70's they too went with the superior system for everything but the content of their beer glasses! Canada too btw, though to a lesser degree. The US is really the only country still stuck in time.

[@mikeswindell137]

the market for a $1000 knife is not large and I can't believe you could make a living at it. Maybe they have other work lined up to pay the bills. I don't think they will become rich at this price point.

[@rasmillion]

I want to go to kern... not JUST for cake either

[@riskinhos]

didn't test it... wow

[@kmaber9698]

I'd rather rock a roeders

[@marouanebenderradji137]

never seen them even on youtube

[@NickyNiclas]

Did he say 2 micron in precision??? WTF

[@danl.4743]

Meh. My Tormach 1100 is 1000 times better. It's 2,000 micron precision.

[@claudiugalea3038]

You consider buying one ??

[@movax20h]

He did buy one.

[@claudiugalea3038]

movax20h Yup . I’ve seen the recent vlogs with the Kern in action🤟

[@kmaber9698]

The machine was better than you guy's programming skills, you didn't do it justice

[@chyrt]

German machinery imo superior to the American counterpart

[@Foomanlol]

yeah, you just need $500,000 to $1,000,000 to buy it though.

[@Jonners]

Tut tut, chamfer the hole pre tapping.

[@RubiconJoey]

@1:34 Grimsmo "Knifes" 🤦‍♂️

[@anthonyjones657]

Hiedenhain is THE strongest control in the market.

[@na-fv7cl]

He made you cake !!!!!

[@dineshvyas]

Title says knife.

[@markedwards1900]

Ridgid machine Germans make good machine tools

[@TheLevitatingChin]

John you can't afford it. Dream on!

[@CalebMcFadden]

He’s has one now

[@TheLevitatingChin]

@@CalebMcFadden Me too!

[@TheFarCobra]

White sunglasses?!? ... I am out.

[@imyaaniggua]

wer ist noch deutsch