Framelock Question

[Pak 21]

I've been working on a framelock and I'm having trouble getting the angle right on the lock.
I was wondering if any of you knew any tricks to doing it?

 

[A. Brett Schaller]

The angle on the back of the blade can be anywhere from about 6 1/2 to 10 degrees, depending on factors such as the length of the locking bar and personal preference.

Though there's some disagreement, I think the face of the lock leaf should be cut at 90 degrees - that is, straight across, so that only the inside edge of the lock leaf contacts the blade bevel rather than the entire thickness of the lock leaf contacting the blade bevel. I break the inside edge on the lock leaf slightly with a Scotch Brite belt to avoid "digging in."

 

[L6steel]

Something that might help you is a diamond impregnated cut off disc.
I used to make the end cut on my lock tabs with my band saw but this left it rough and I'd need to grind it smooth. I used a jig I made from plans I picked up here in Shop Talk. Even with the jig it was hard to keep every thing dead straight.
Now I use the cut off disc in my milling machine and the end of the tab comes out nice and smooth.
Take care!
Michael

 

[bartblade]

i have an idea im going to try when i get around to it that is. grinding out a section of the blades end to make an L channel and leaving it a bit longer than most would so when the lock is employed it dosent hit the other liner on the opposite side. basically an L shaped groove to catch the lock end into the cornner and back side of the blade. sorry if this confusses any one i could show it better than explaine it.

 

[Don Robinson]

Something's wrong if your lock bar is hitting the opposite liner. It should never do that.