Hidden Tang Help

O

Ox1

Joined
Aug 1, 2020
Messages
18
i am making my first hidden tang knife, (im a beginner), and im not sure how to pin the handle. i DO NOT have a drill press, but i do have a hand drill, some c-clamps, and some tape.

So, how do i drill and pin a hidden tang handle, while keeping everything aligned?

any advice is appreciated
 
I'm no expert but I would insert the tang, clamp everything down with c-clamps using tape or small pieces of wood to keep it level and then slow but steady drill the holes. You can also insert small wedges to hold the tang where you want it if there's some play. I would do all that before final assembly.
Again I'm no expert, having made only one hidden tang knife.
 
Tough without a drill press.
I drill the hole in the tang slightly larger than the pin size. It will fill with epoxy.
I leave the handle wood, about 0.125" too long initially. I slowly grind back the handle, until the pin can just slide in with the handle snug. Then glue it up.
 
Hi Ox. Welcome to the addiction. What you've just experienced is a small version of the old adage, "Ask 10 blacksmiths how to do something and you'll get 12 different options." And they're all correct.
 
i just finished my knife a couple hours ago, thanks for the advice! much appreciated!
 
C'mon we're all still learning. You can get some additional pointers if you show a pic.
 
i hate to be the guy who asks the stupid question, but how do i post pics?
it just says "uploads not available"
 
I think direct uploads only work with paid memberships. You can use a photo hosting app like Imgur upload the photo there and then copy the embed link and click the photo button above in the edit toolbar and paste it there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top