Equipment to make folders

David Stifle

David Stifle

Joined
Nov 20, 2008
Messages
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My shop is set up to make fixed blades, i.e., grinder, drill press, forge, etc., etc., I was wondering what specialized equipment is needed to make folders. I'd like to start making them.
 
What you have will get you started. There are a couple WIPS/Tutorials where I've seen nothing more than hand tools used. The key is keeping parts square and a surface plate or grinder is VERY HANDY. Lots of small drill bits and good taps as well as a hand tapping fixture to keep the small taps from flexing or a "Tapmatic" if you work in large batches for tapping hundreds of holes.

These suggestions are the tip of the iceberg! Tony Bose has a few WIPS on Slipjoint knives on the net and there are a few here in the forums...Good Luck they are fun and challenging...:thumbup:
 
Well, as soon as I read up and know what the hell I'm doing, I'll give it a go, lol. Wish me luck, fellas.
 
What kind of folders do you want to make, gentleman, slip joint, tactical?

Chuck
 
Flipping folders work best when tolerances are tight. Everything must be square and parallel.

If you are going to put bearings in your folders I recommend using a milling machine with a rotary table and an end mill. If is difficult to have a counterbore in a drill press that is exactly 90° square. Using a rotary table compensates for minor tolerance problems.

I also think a surface grinder is required.

Chuck
 
I sure do recommend getting a surface grinder. It will remove a lot of the problems you may run into. Sure start without one but make sure you have a sanding plate. Even glass will work. If you find a counter top making place, I'll bet they will have sink cut outs they may even give you. Get one that is at least big enough for two full sheets of sand paper. With your present abilities, I'll just bet you do some great work.If it's a liner lock I will be pleased to help as I always am. You can even contact me direct at frankniro2@gmail.com or 1- 250-372-8332
Frank
 
David Stifle said:
Thanks, I recall this wip, but at the time it came out I couldn't imagine I would ever be interested in doing folders. I bookmarked it, it's going to come in handy.
Click to expand...

David, I'm a self taught knifemaker and jumped right into the deep end making folders with bearings... I would be more than happy to pass on some of the knowledge I've gained over the last 2 years so if I can be of any help at all don't hesitate to get in touch with me. I just recently purchased a surface grinder after 2yrs of maknig knives so it is possible to make linerlocks without one but it sure helped to purchase the knifemaker grade titanium from AKS. At least I knew I was starting with something flat... good luck... however, if you have the means to get a surface grinder it will definitely make life a little easier I've found....
 
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