Drilling D2 II-How silly is this...

J. Neilson · May 6, 2004

So, how stupid does this look?
OK I tried the annealing and my cobalt bits since I don't have any carbide bits on hand...didn't work. The only thing I had in the shop that was carbide was my stiplling bits....Huuummmm.

This is probably why Tess limits my free time so much.

fitzo · May 6, 2004

J., have you got a Dremel, and can you get one of their tile cutting bits? That might work if careful for a 1/8" hole.

Another thought is that if you have a small diameter wheel on a grinder you can hollow out the handle flats and make it easier to get through without sacrificing the strength and make it a little easier to hog a hole through.

Frank Niro · May 6, 2004

You can use a masonary bit to drill hardened metal . You can even size them down some ( usually not real accurately) . They all come in oversize of what they say. Hope this helps. Frank

Mike Hull · May 6, 2004

What Frank said. If that doesn't work, then I'd say you have M2.
M2 can be annealed if you have a Paragon furnace, or =, and plenty of time, but it's near impossible to do any other way.

M2 makes a great blade though, if that's what it is.

C-Camerer · May 6, 2004

For what its worth, MSC has 1/8 Carbide Spade bits on sale for $5.69. The part number is LN00999086. I just received some of them and drilled hardened 154CM. It was the best money I spent compared to the time and frustration it would have taken me to try to get the holes in via other methods. I just checked them in the drill press cranked up the speed poured on the cutting fluid and they drilled the holes easily.

Pinoy Knife · May 6, 2004

Drilling Hardened steel is a Bitch . ask me how i know ? D-2 is not that bad but solid Carbide is your only hope i must say . I drill Full hard steel all the time if you don't have the correct stuff just wait until you have it . i stock a couple hundred solid carbide bit's at a time. the dremel trick will help alot but be expensive as the tile cutting bit's are about $ 10.00 each.
Good luck to you.

John Andrews · May 7, 2004

J., sometimes you worry me! Just kidding, big guy! Before IG gets in here and beats you up, I think Tess has the right idea! You have no place close to get carbide bits is a bummer, unless you go ahead with the masonery spade bits. You go to great lengths to entertain us, J.!

jhiggins · May 7, 2004

J,

What I have done in the past with huge success is to make a stub-tang, weld a piece of mild steel to it, and make a hidden-tang-handled knife. Worth a try?

J. Neilson · May 7, 2004

Thanks guys. I will try out all the tip when I get the chance (and the bits). And John, your right, Tess even drove 25 miles to the next nearest town and couldn't find carbide there either. I'll have to place an order but, I was having some fun waiting for JB Weld to set on a the guards for a pair of 700 layer damascus blades for the Blade show. I was amused with the results and I thought you guys would be too. I've got steel for about 18 more of these and some celluloid tortise shell I was planning on using up, so I'll get some bits.

Sweany · May 7, 2004

Torch!

Tess is gonna have to learn handle wrapping.

Nowicki · May 7, 2004

J. Neilson said:
So, how stupid does this look?
OK I tried the annealing and my cobalt bits since I don't have any carbide bits on hand...didn't work. The only thing I had in the shop that was carbide was my stiplling bits....Huuummmm.

This is probably why Tess limits my free time so much.

I had the same problems drilling D2. I've noticed you forge. I aneel the blades by putting them in the forge when I'm finished for the night and leave them till the next day but if you get them hot while drilling and let them cool they harden aghain. For a while I used a torch to burn the holes but that got old.
Now when I draw the tang , before I straiten it I punch the holes while it is hot. If the holes are a little slopy use pleany of epoxy when you set the pins.
Just watch your temperatures when forging D2. Its finiky but when it works it makes a great blade.
Larry

watakipoma · May 7, 2004

I think Sweany is right...

Time to experiment with cord wrapping.

The stipling might look cool along the unground area of the blade too.

indian george · May 7, 2004

J send it to me I got some armor piercing rounds for my 30-06.

John Andrews · May 7, 2004

IG, instant holes, eh?

indian george · May 7, 2004

John,J should bring it hear to make sure that I do it right. He can hold it in front of his face and point at the spot where he wants the hole and then I can pull the trigger.