Folder Blade Not Centered on Liner Loc

J

John L

Joined
Oct 28, 2004
Messages
1,330
I have checked my drill press table and it is good..less than 3 thous in 9 inches. I assume that is good. I begin by drilling the pivot small and gradually drill larger and finally ream to size. Pivot fits tight. I hand lap the steel blade between machining operations so that there is no burr to ride on. I just can't figure it unless the lock is pushing it over...but even if I tighten up the pivot screw against the washers and liners it is still off center...not by much..but enough to not look correct. Any suggestions? Thanks
 
I have had the same problem on a couple of folders. Sometimes if the detent ball sits too high it can cause this. Also try a larger diameter washer on the opposing side.
 
It's not unusual to have the lock bar or detent ball push the blade off center.

Check the height of the detent ball from the liner lock bar. It should stick up the thickness of the blade plus one washer thickness. Any more is too much.

Check the side to side play between the blade and liners. It should be snug. If there is too much play, the lock bar pushes the blade over past center.
 
How thick is your lock bar? I mean how wide?

And how long is it?

How wide is it at the back end?

What thickness are the liners?

These all relate to the strength of the lock bar.
 
Lock bar width is +/- 5/16" end to end
Length is 2 1/4
Thickness is .050' titanium
 
Too wide. Drill a hole at the end of the slot to make the bar width about 3/16" and try it again. :jerkit:
 
The pivot could have a minute amount of slop in it.Even a few .001 can deflect under the pressure of the lock bar.Take some of the tension out of the lock bar,and that might help.Try another pivot,too.If the fit isn't really close,it will push off center.Make sure all other screws and spacers are tight.
 
Don: Should the lock be parallel? Should the pivot pt of the lock...end of cut in liner...be 3/16 or ? Thanks
 
What is the relationship between liner thickness, lock length and lock thickness and width?
 
John L said:
Don: Should the lock be parallel? Should the pivot pt of the lock...end of cut in liner...be 3/16 or ? Thanks
Click to expand...

If making the lock parallel causes the lock to be wider than 3/16" at the fulcrum, you need to make a hole at the end to weaken the spring.

It isn't necessary for the lockbar sides to be exactly parallell either. A slight angle from the lock face to the start of the bar doesn't hurt anything.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top