I was looking around and saw some posts on setting up for farmers markets and for travel or going mobile. So I figured I would share a little of what I have going on. I just set this up really quick in the driveway to show what it looks like.
I can not seem to be able to upload pics so you get Photo bucket for now.
For many months i used blue plastic carry whatsit thing for paddles and alike…bucket for WE.
about 3 weeks ago i bought a hvy. duty plastic suit type case and added WE and all paddles - etc to it - it was OK - heavy, but OK…last 3 weeks i have gone back to my original set ups - works for me
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Great setup Max. The L shape is a great touch and keeps everything in arms reach for you. I really need to get some of those knife sheathes but for right now I just run a strip of tape over the blade and make a cover out of old hanging folders. I have my wife with me at the market so she runs the table so I can stay back and sharpen. She takes names and monies then she demonstrates on some phone book paper how sharp the finished products are. I need to build up a rack for my stones for an easier reach and some better organization.
I like the folding table that supports the WE I have not seen anything like it in Mallorca . I periodically sharpen on the quays so that the chefs from the yachts do not have to loose their knives.
I am waiting for my WE and currently I use an EP which I put on to a folding work bench it creates a very strong platform but it is heavy and some of the quays are quite long so it is rather cumbersome.
I also note that the WE is better operated from a sitting position so another item to transport , the configurations available here are always compromises that often end up costly. So who sells these folding tables and chairs and what brand are they? I have seen other members use the same brand which is testament to that make.
A great example of limited choice and price was trying to get a magnifying loupe here (Palma de Mallorca Baleares Spain) the most powerful I could find was from an opticians , low mag 4x and 70€ plus; the solution was to buy a Chines mini scope 60x mag plus LEDS (from Chefsknivestogo) little more than 5$ and although the postage meant I paid around 35€ it was still a good solution plus I had it in 5 days which was more than surprising.
This sitting position with this Ridgid work platform really gets the WE in a comfortable position for me but I am 6’5" and I contort myself into a solid position for an hour or so then it is time to walk around. I lower the table top down onto my knees and put my feet under me and onto the back legs of the work stand and this LOCKS everything into a solid position. I just need to take a little fwd and aft rocking out of the platform and think I can do that with washers on both sides of where the stand meets the table then snug up the bolt and friction should do the rest.
I do sharpen standing up in the basement when I mount the WE to my bench but as you said standing there for 4 hours will be painful. Also I spend 12 hours on me feet the day before the farmers markets at the hospital so I prefer sitting to give my feet a break but that is just me.
Here is a link for the work stand.
I sharpen standing as it is easier on my body and I’m eye to eye with whoever I am demonstrating the sharpeners for. I have a little fold up wooden podium I built modeling the one Clay uses. Holds 8 to 10 handle sets on top (though I usually only have 7 and my accessories on top) and room for storage underneath. Though I spend all day sharpening normally - my purpose isn’t expressly sharpening it is demoing the sharpeners so standing works great for that purpose.
We picked up one of those cushioned kitchen mats for under the feet which helps quite a bit on the hard concrete floors at most of the shows.
Here are a couple the better shots I have showing the podium - nothing really of just the podium set up. It folds down to about 12 x 12 x 5
[quote quote=“RichardHarn” post=12070]Thanks Max for info. You’ve given me some good ideas. Where do you get your knife sleeves?
Fellow digger[/quote].
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i got like a started order - 50 each size
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. http://www.knifesleeves.com/
Show off your setups so we can see what everyone else has going on.
Thanks for looking.
Jed[/quote]
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i call it paddlezilla -they are growing fast in number from last week
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Thanks for that it is beginning to look as if I shall need to fabricate something ; whether it be from scratch or adapting something I would prefer to not to make it of wood in the interest of saving weight .
So I think I shall have to look at stock materials - tubular steel or aluminium possible HDPE cutting board or parts of them.
I have time since my WE has only been on order since the 12th of June.
Great sets of photos… thanks. If anyone wants to see how to clamp a variety of shapes/sizes of knives… this is the place to look. (And a tip repair too!)
Glad you take the time to do this… what a resource. Thanks.
I travel with my WEPS, some bundled up demonstration knives (mostly folders), a small spritz bottle of rubbing alcohol and some honing oil packed neatly into a re-purposed Bushnell spotting scope case much like this (not my picture):
I also use folding tables and tend to sit down to sharpen, but the podium or similar idea is a good one!
I recently had to order some budget-minded pocket knives as both merchandise and demonstration pieces, because people keep buying my demo knives! I also make sure to keep either some junk catalogs or scrap paper strips handy to show off sharpness. I think it’s important to have a couple things handy to work on and show off between customers; it seems to draw a lot of attention just sitting there sharpening something
I have the same experience at all the shows I’ve worked. When I’m busy sharpening, even if it’s just stropping an already sharp knife, people get curious and wander over. Generally I’m the only person ‘doing’ something at the show so it’s a big draw. If I take a break and stop sharpening, people keep walking and don’t stop to look as much.
Tom
What kind of demo knives did you order for sale so they do not buy your demo stock? I was thinking that is a great idea to have some folders to sell and I was curious to the brand you were using to keep the prices down some. I have been doing very well with my reworked thrift store kitchen knives and this would also add revenue at the new places I plan on sharpening at. Such as for the police, sheriff, state police, fire and EMT stations. These are usually knife guys who are not loaded but something that is a good price with good quality should peak their interests.
Great sets of photos… thanks. If anyone wants to see how to clamp a variety of shapes/sizes of knives… this is the place to look. (And a tip repair too!)
Glad you take the time to do this… what a resource. Thanks.[/quote]
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these pics he has posted have helped me more than he will ever know. i just wish i had a smart phone or wifi for my ipad, so i could look while at fare…been kinda lucky, only two big folders - 1 about 3 weeks back and yesterday that benchmade job. it is hard to remember so many postsitions.
