Best drill press for simple liner locks?

[SLC_Blades]

So I’m looking into making my first folder decently soon and I’m currently trying to compose a list of tools and materials I’ll need. Currently, I have a Harbor Freight 10” 12 speed benchtop drill press that’s served me very well so far. Will this tool be precise enough for a simple liner lock? I know it’s by no means ideal— but I don’t intend to try any overly complicated construction techniques like hidden hardware. Also, this will probably be the tool I use to cut the lock back because I don’t have a mill. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[DanH45]

I have no experience with folders, but drill presses are inherently non-precision machines. The chuck is usually the weak link in HF machines. With a decent chuck it should be about as precise as any drill press. A mill / drill type milling machine might serve you better. If using a drill press, make sure to center punch. An inexpensive automatic center punch is one of those tools that will change your life.

 

[Josh Rider]

I don’t know if the harbor freight style mini mill is in your budget, but that’s probably been my favorite buy for drilling holes.
I bought the appropriate collet, drilled undersize and reamed to the proper size hole.
It’s pretty weak for other milling operations, but really good at drilling holes.

 

[gudspelr]

You want one that you can tram. As long as you can get the drill bit perpendicular to the table, you’re good to go. I ordered a variable speed benchtop drill press from Menard’s and it’s worked okay for me. I’ve been to other maker’s shops and various brand bench top drill presses were all used. Again-the most important part is if you can adjust the table so that your bit is perpendicular. Whatever brand, whatever size. If you’re looking at one, note how small of a bit the chuck will hold. Depending on the folders you want to make, that may determine the fasteners you use and if they’re small, you’re going to need to use small bits. Nothing worse than trying to drill a hole and your chuck won’t hold the small bit...

Jeremy

 

[butcher_block]

i dont even have a drill press in the shop and have been making knives for over 15 years including a few folders. for a multi use tool in the shop its hard to beat a small mill. my mini mill was back in the day some of the best $ spent and even now after getting a bridgeport i use the mini much more. dont get me wrong when it comes down to reall milling mini mill is not overly useful but nail nicks and slotting liner locks are all easy for the mini mill

 

[Bill DeShivs]

You can make folders with a hand drill.
Knives are very simple little machines with very few moving parts.
Your drill press will be fine.

 

[killthelights]

i dont even have a drill press in the shop and have been making knives for over 15 years including a few folders. for a multi use tool in the shop its hard to beat a small mill. my mini mill was back in the day some of the best $ spent and even now after getting a bridgeport i use the mini much more. dont get me wrong when it comes down to reall milling mini mill is not overly useful but nail nicks and slotting liner locks are all easy for the mini mill

What type of mini mill do you recommend?

 

[Busto]

What type of mini mill do you recommend?

There are a few models out there set a budget because you will also need to purchase Tooling.

Mini-Mills are not Magical they can drill a crooked hole as well as a Drill Press if you don't take the time to "Tram" the head to ensure the spindle is vertically Plumb with the entire table axis.

 

[Drew Riley]

Here's a pretty good tutorial that keeps things pretty basic:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/build-a-linerlock.1028982/

IIRC, there's little more used than the drill press, which looks to be on the smaller side at that.

Does a mill or super high quality drill press help? Sure. Is it necessary? No.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Harbor freight or other mini-mill. You can slit frame locks, drill precision holes, counterbore seats, mill scales and liners to size, etc.
CNC is really nice but not necessary.

Realize that the drill or mill is not the end of it. It is the "tooling" - carbide bits, milling and boring tools, reamers, etc. - that will cost the most.
I know many folks with a $8K mill and $50K in tooling. That is more than most knifemakers will need, but shows the point. usually, you will spend just about the same as the mill in your initial tools needed. Don't think you will save money by buying cheap HSS bits and mills. Carbide costs more but will be more precise and last a lot longer. Carbide Depot, as well as ITC have 3 flute carbide drills that are superb and very affordable. Some folks use the carbide tipped masonry type bits, but I don't find them precise enough for anything beyond drilling hardened tangs.