Folders: Do I need a milling machine?

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godogs57

Joined
Apr 16, 2004
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Been making stock removal knives for a good long while and want to try my hand at folders.....Do I need to get a milling machine to make 'em? Thinking mainly about folders along the design of Puma's, etc, not pocket knives like Case. Just wondering, as I know nothing about the design of folders, work necessary, etc...will be going into this blind. If I do this, will be sure to read up on this before trying.

Thanks for any advice, good or bad.

Hank H.
 
Ooops didn't answer the question. You can make any knife the slow way or fast way. A mill isn't necessary but it would make the job go quicker.
 
A mill is nice to have and its useful to make the relief cuts around the pivot area. The most important piece of kit is a good accurate pillar drill.
 
Like they have already said you can make them without a mill but it sure is nice to have one. Some of the drill/mills from places like Harbor Freight are fairly inexpensive but are quite useful. Make sure you get a mill that has an
R-8 collet system and not a Morse taper in the head. Just like the mill a surface grinder helps a lot in the making of folders also.
 
Hank, I have communicated with you a while back when I lived in Alaska. I have recently moved back to Dooly Co. & am making pocket knives. You are welcome to come over & visit & look over my setup . I will be glad to give you any help on folders that I can . I 'm presently making linerlocks . My email is ssangster@sowega.net & phone # is 229 268 3749.

Joe Sangster
 
Hey Hank,

The HF mini-mill is a great addition to your shop, and will serve you well in many steps in the folder-making process. If you subscribe to Ray Roger's method of folder-making, you will need a mill. I have to say that if I were to sell off all my equipment and start all over again, the first thing I would get woudl naturally be a belt grinder, but the SECOND would definitely be a mill. Like a microwave oven - once you get one, you cant live without it.
 
ive made 3 lockbacks without 1 and am planning a few slip joints, the lockbacks came out nice but i would never sell them. you can definately make folders without one but i sure would like one, if only they were 20 bucks life would be grand.
my current wish list is a mill and a surface grinder

brett
 
I sure do appreciate the feedback folks. I really need to study up on this, as the folders are obviously totally different in manufacture than the sheath knives I now make. Making one (or several) has mu curiosity up, as a well made one is a true thing of beauty in my opinon. Thanks again.

Joe, will get with you as soon as I eradicate a few more hogs from my farm and wear out the deer. Cool weather coming late this week!! Thank God.
 
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