Flared thong hole question.

R

rscoffey

Joined
Sep 12, 2006
Messages
109
I have noticed that more and more makers are flaring their thong holes rather than finishing them flush with the handle material. Personally, I like this finish much better, but was wondering if there is a special tool or technique to making the flare. Thanks, Bob
 
Basically, you just need something with the same taper as the countersink you use. You can do it in a drill press, modified arbor press or just with a hammer.
 
I've heard that the right size ball bearing does a good job. What is the the right size??? I don't know.

- Paul Meske, Wisconsin
 
That flaring tool at True Value hardware looks pretty cool. My only concern would be that it looks like a lot of knife handles would be too large to fit inside the clamp. Nice idea.
 
I've also heard a guy say he uses the heads of two drywall screws (or wood screws) on either side, pressed in with a vise to flare thong tube on a handle. I haven't tried it yet, though. Right now I use an old lathe tailstock center as a punch, with a hammer on the anvil.
 
Get some water or oil hardening drill rod from Enco and make your on. It's not that difficult, or expensive, but if you do mess a couple up you have plenty of rod left over to try again. Heat treat and temper and your ready to flare tubes.
 
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