A few questions

[mciampag]

Well I finally finished my first kit knife...and now I have a few questions before I start another knife.

I used a laminated wood block to make the handle, what's the best way to finish this stuff? I wound up using a polyacrylic clear finish and it looks fine, is there anything preferred, or anything to avoid?

The biggest problem I had in finishing the kit was drilling the hole for the tang. My approach was to drill a series of holes all in a row, which sounded simple enough. In practice, the drill bit kept slipping into the previously drilled hole. This step was rather frustrating, but I eventually got through it, though it wasn't pretty. Is there any easy way to drill this hole?

I'd like to start creating my own blades now. I've only got hand tools to work with though. What's a good steel to start out with? I'm not planning on using these knives extensively, or in extreme conditions, so I just need something that's easy to work, any suggestions?

After I get a bar, I need to soften it first right? Will a simple blow torch do the job? After I've got the blade shape I want, I'll need to have it heat treated somewhere, yes? Where can I find a place to have this done?

I think that's about it for now, I'll be back with more later though

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-- Mark Ciampalio

 

[dave fl]

HI, Here is a link that may answer many questions. Good luck http://www.engnath.com/public/manframe.htm
Dave

[This message has been edited by dave fl (edited 03-21-2000).]

 

[Lynn]

Mark,
One of the best tips I have seen on drilling holes in a stright line is to use a cold chisel instead of a center punch. You still have the problem that you must leave a big web between the holes to saw or file.
Lynn

 

[Fox Creek]

That's a nifty tip on using a chisel cut to locate drilled holes! I will have to try that myself

I have found that I must aim at the most precise work possible from the first step. Careful work later will not make up for a sloppy or good enough start.
A) use lay out dye on Clean material so you can see what you are doing. B) layout and scribe the hole locations in good light with a sharp scribe using a machinists rule with fine divisions. Use magnification unless your eyes are exceptionaly youthful and sharp. C) mark hole locations using a sharp PRICK PUNCH, feeling for the scribed lines. D) Carefully repunch hole locations using a CENTER punch. E) use a drill press to drill holes and observe carefully to insure drill hits center punches precisely. A better drill press and chuck will have less run out and give more accurate results.
Remember, your goal is to do the work of a master craftsman, so do what master craftsmen do!