Drilling tool steel

J

JGAndrews

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Nov 22, 2014
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I'm new to this forus, so I hope this is how it's done. I'm reasonably new to knife making. I've made a dozen or so using the stock removal method. I started with mill files, then moved to saw blades. I'm wondering how to drill out the steel for the pins. Any ideas about how to do this? Thanks, John
 
If you anneal the steel, it shouldn't be a problem. if you are working on them in the hardened/tempered condition; spot anneal using a small torch, or get some carbide or carbide tipped bits.
 
I've done a bit of reading about annealing files. As I understand it, I can "cook" them at 400 for an hour and that will get the steel to the correct hardness, I've tried drill them then wil no success. Is it my. Drill bit choice.
 
with a cheap drill press and decent bits. also in order to anneal the steel needs to get well above 400 pref over 1400 and then cooled slowly in sand or ash.
 
For files drawing the temper back at 400 F will usually soften and toughen the steel. Your HRc could be anywhere from the mid 50s to the low 60s depending on the steel and the file. You will need a carbide bit to drill the metal at that hardness. A carbide tipped masonry bit will work but leaves an off sized, messy hole. As noted annealing heats the metal to a bright red heat and slowly cools the metal. This puts the metal into a soft cold work condition. If you anneal, you will need to re-harden and re-temper the blade.
 
Or you could go blind hidden tang with Acraglas and not bother with pins, just grind some shallow notches in the tang to give the adhesive something to lock into.
 
As is for the Files,
Put the drill press on the LOWEST speed setting and use quality Carbide Bits made in the USA or Europe. Also use a few drops of cutting oil. Pipe threading Oil, Cool Tool or if you don't have anything else? new Motor oil, 3 in one Oil etc… A few drops per every 5 seconds of cutting.

Peck until a few twists come out and then release. Repeat with a drop or two of oil.

Have fun.
 
My cheap "drill hack" is to chuck a chainsaw sharpening stone into my Dremel tool, run it at full speed, and slowly bring the stone down on your crosshair at a 45 degree angle and grind out the hole. Finish with a chainsaw file or well-lubed twist drill. And don't forget to wear your safety glasses.
 
If you go online to Drill bit city there is a link on the first page to Drill bit city II and go to that link. They sell reground short shanked tungsten carbide bits in packs of 5 in fractional, numbered, and letter drills for a really good price. I have been using them for about five ears and am happy with their performance. Larry
 
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