Drill Bits for Custom Scales?

JustinWatts · Dec 26, 2013

Hello everyone,
I've decided I want to make some custom G10 scales for my Skyline. Not sure if this is the right section, but please move it to the correct one if not. Anyway, my issue is that I don't have a drill press to cut out the proper holes. I was wondering if using a plain drill will work for drilling the screw holes? I don't have very steady hands, but I do have patience. I'll look around, but I don't think I have a countersink bit either, however I'm confident I can countersink the holes with a different technique.

Additionally, what's the best source to get a limited supply of G10 slabs? Everywhere I look, the shipping prices are outrageous considering I only want one pair of scales.

To anyone that's made G10 scales, I would greatly appreciate some advice. I also don't know how to finish the job; I've read you're supposed to oil the G10, would any lubricant work? I've got loads of Tuf-Glide. Thanks.

bpeezer · Dec 26, 2013

Patience is worth more than equipment

I used to be without a drill or a drill press...or even a dremel. I just had a three jaw chuck to turn by hand, and I drilled holes that way

took a REALLY long time, but I made a few scales that way. I also countersunk the holes by hand with a reamer. I wouldn't wish it on my enemies though

JustinWatts · Dec 27, 2013

bpeezer said:
Patience is worth more than equipment I used to be without a drill or a drill press...or even a dremel. I just had a three jaw chuck to turn by hand, and I drilled holes that way took a REALLY long time, but I made a few scales that way. I also countersunk the holes by hand with a reamer. I wouldn't wish it on my enemies though

Okay, that gives me a little more assurance, haha. How hard is G10 to work with? If at all possible, I would rather use a file or sandpaper as opposed to a dremel just to minimize the dust. I'm sure it would take longer, but with patience I think it would be more precise. Thanks for the response.

Edit: Just bought some jade G10. Can't wait to get this started.

bpeezer · Dec 27, 2013

File has pretty good material removal rate, sandpaper becomes loaded pretty quickly in my experience. Make sure you wear respiratory protection, G10 is quite nasty if breathed in. It helps to keep the G10 wet to minimize dust. Besides that, I think G10 is in the top 3 easiest materials I've ever worked with.

JustinWatts · Dec 27, 2013

bpeezer said:
File has pretty good material removal rate, sandpaper becomes loaded pretty quickly in my experience. Make sure you wear respiratory protection, G10 is quite nasty if breathed in. It helps to keep the G10 wet to minimize dust. Besides that, I think G10 is in the top 3 easiest materials I've ever worked with.

Awesome. I think I'm pretty much set, but I'll have to pick up a respirator quick. One last thing, how do you finish your scales? I was thinking I could take it to 300ish grit sandpaper to give it medium traction.

bpeezer · Dec 27, 2013

I think 600 grit was what I used when doing everything by hand. Those were pretty slick, you might want to finish closer to 120 for traction. An alternative is to give it a pattern that really grips your hand. This is the first set of scales I ever made, you could add a pattern like that with a round file and it helps a lot with traction.

JustinWatts · Dec 27, 2013

Okay. For my first set, I'm going to leave them flat, as they're only one solid color anyway. For my next knife, I'll order some layered G10 and give it that anso pattern to bring out the contrast. It might be a while, but I'll post pictures of my progress and the finished scales.

bpeezer · Dec 27, 2013

Good luck, I look forward to seeing your Skyline dressed in jade!

AddictedToGear · Dec 27, 2013

Love this thread. I just received a dremel set so I can start working on custom scales. The holes and counter sinking them is what I was always worried about.

JustinWatts · Jan 1, 2014

I didn't like the contrast in colors between the satin blade/clip and black hardware so I decided to give it an acid etch.

I botched the blade a little, as some nail polish got dried on, so I need to give it one more dip. It's still as smooth as factory, but somehow the detent got weakened so now it is a little harder to flip; still possible, just hard. It isn't perfectly centered now, but it isn't rubbing the liner so it's no big deal. Lockup is still fine. Decent job, we'll see if my scales will fit once they arrive.