About Compact Metalworks

Hi, I am Andy McLane, the founder of Compact Metalworks.  I have always loved making things, when I discovered knifemaking it was a natural fit and I have spent the last 16 years enjoying it as a hobby. I started when I was 12, had published a highlight in Blade by the time I was 15, and created a small knife-making business while I got my mechanical engineering degree. There were no great options for a decent size belt grinder, especially one I could afford, and so I built my own.  It worked but took up a huge chunk of my shop.  Years later, with the experience of designing machines full time as a mechanical engineer, I set out to create a belt grinder that would be compact and affordable, but just as effective and versatile as a full size grinder. I created exactly what I wish was on the market as a novice knife maker, and as a now experienced knife maker am proud to say this is a great place to start your workshop.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.