Annealing AEB-L specs needed

Patrice Lemée

Patrice Lemée

Joined
Aug 13, 2002
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Long story short, it's hardened and I forgot to drill the hole for the thumb stud. :o

I don't have carbide drills so that means annealing it. I know it must be heated and cooled very slowly but I can't find the exact specs.

Anyone knows?
 
Get a masonry drill bit. It has a carbide tip and will go through the steel. Highest speed on the drill and continuous pressure. Where eye protection, it gets hot and throws chunks, but it works. Masonry drill bits are just a couple of dollars.
 
If you buy a masonary bit to drill the hole, and it easily will, check the size. They are all made oversize, but can be ground down. Frank
 
I agree that it would be easier to get the proper tool for the job as opposed to annealing.

For me the masonry bits work much better to enlarge an existing hole rather than start a new one. and considering you cant centre punch it, the masonry drill will just dance. I suppose you could make a little divot with a small carbide bur though.
I think youd be better off with a stout solid carbide twist drill.
 
Fellows - as far as masonry bits go, I doubt Patrice will find one in 1/16"......he is drilling a hole for a thumb stud screw. Most likely a #4 or #6 screw

Patrice, do you have any small carbide ball burrs for your Dremel or flexshaft? They can make a hole through hardened steel with some care. Another possibility is using a small diamond burr to drill the hole. The cheap sets from Princess Auto and other places may work.

Personally, I would just order a couple carbide drill bits and do it right.
 
Thanks bluntcut, that's what I was looking for.

Like Stacy said, this is for a very small hole so the masonry bit option is out. Plus I need to countersink the screw side and drill a little pocket on the stud side, all with relative precision. From experience with carbide drills (very little I admit) and the sizes we are talking about, I am not very optimist in my chances of doing all this with a hard blade. :o

I appreciate all your help, thanks.
 
Well now, Pat, if you spend the money you can get carbide bits in all the sizes there are including numbered and fraction. I drill all my thumb stud holes after the blades are hardened with carbide bits. I find this allows for better "positioning" of the thumb stud in my grinding approach. I have on hand all of this sizes I use in my folder making. They have bailed me out enough to know they are necessary in my work process. Frank
 
I'm with frank. A couple sizes of carbide drills, and an assortment of carbide ball burrs will make holes, countersinks, and recesses.
 
One question guys, which type of drills?

I see twist drills, stub, spade and straight flutes.:confused:

I would think the more rigid like the spade or straight flutes are the best choices? Yes? These will be relatively shallow holes so no need for twist drills I guess.

What do you think/use?
 
Stacy, quick question. I can get chamfer burrs in the 60 82 or 90 degree range. Would I be better off with these than ball burrs? Not sure what angle is the taper of the small screw heads though.
 
I don't recommend carbide burrs for expanding or drilling holes. Stay with regular twist drills in the carbide. KBC will have any size you want. Frank
 
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