Copper bolster question

[chavez556]

Can I use copper Corby instead of peened/flared pins?

I only have a standard 85 degree countersink and have many people suggest to use a 5-10 degree tapered countersink.

Also I plan on hammering the copper bolsters. Not sure if that makes.a difference.

Thanks,

Nick

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Corbys would not work.

Just drill the hole and then re-drill the top 1/16" to 1/8" depth with the next size up drill bit. When the pin is peened it will expand to completely fill the extra space and lock the bolster down. File flush, sand the bolster smooth to 400 grit, and then hammer-work the bolster with a polished face hammer. Remember to anneal all the copper parts before assembly.

Making sure that the metal is all smooth with no scratches, and using a polished face ball hammer are how to get smooth and attractive dimples. Use moderate and controlled blows, as a thousand small dimples looks better than a hundred large ones.

 

[chavez556]

Thanks Stacy !