How do I make my own Pivot Pins??

V

Vincent Vega

Joined
Nov 14, 2001
Messages
14
HELLO, basically, what kind of machines or tools do i need for making pivot pins. The ones i would want to make are for tactical folders and such, thanks.
 
Basically to make a simple pivot you will need a lathe, a center drill, a drill bit(tap drill size), tap(for the size thread/screw you wish to use), and best if you get precision ground 303 SS rod in whatever size pivot you wish to use, or;
you could do what a lot of makers do and buy em already made! :D
 
I use a Unimat3 to make piviot pins. The small micro lathe is very precise, easy to use and set up. Emco now makes a Unimat4. Stay away from the old DB and SL lathes that have the rails. If you do not want a Unimat I would look at the Sherline.

I have pics of the lathe on my photo page.
 
a 1/8 pivot costs 3 dollars from K&G. Unless you have other plans for the lathe the premade is the way to go. Heres why. Harbor Freight mini lather cost 400 bucks, Prazi Mini lathe 1600+ bucks and Sherline last I looked 600+ bucks. Expect to spend another 200+ bucks on tooling since none of these lathes comes with the drill chuck and other stuff neeed to do the job. I recently bought 2 lbs of 416 stailess steel rod at the cost of 7 bucks a lb plus 10 dollars shipping and get this a 30 packaging fee! So for around 54 buck I got enough rod for several hundred pivots. 400+200+54 = 654 654/3 = 218 pivots and anything over buying 15 gets you a price break to 2.50. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from buying tools but for most of you purchasing the pivot is much more cost effective.
 
Ray,
Great knife making info and very nice knives on your photo page,thanks for sharing.
I like the small wheel setup on your drill press, very clever.
Thanks again,
Greg
 
Arthur that 30 dallor creating fee had to be a bummer :barf:

Greg that small wheel set up wipe out the bearings in that drill press. :mad:
 
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