How do you dome pins?

D

deker

Joined
Nov 14, 2005
Messages
3,496
As I was thinking about an upcoming project, it occurred to me that domed pins might be nice. Then I realized I had no idea how it's done. I have a couple of ideas, and I suppose I could experiment until I get it right, but sometimes even I like to shortcut and just "ask the experts". :)

So, let's say I wanted to dome some copper or brass pins. How would I go about it? How do I keep from scratching up my handle material? (I'm thinking possibly mammoth ivory for this one. Another first for me and I want to keep as much of the natural bark unharmed as I can...) As I assume it has something to do with "spinning" the ends, how do I keep from overheating my handle material?

Thanks for any help,

-d
 
I use sacrificial pins to glue up the handle, then gently tap the old pins out with a pin punch.

use the sacrificial pins to determine an exact length for the new pin (I add 1/32 on each end) cut your new pins, dome and polish then insert new pins being careful to leave the same amount showing on both sides.

Stephan
 
I think Texas knifemakers supply or Jantz sell what are called something like a Dome pin spinner just for that purpose.
 
I use a small carbide dental burr to concave one end of a drill rod. I leave the pin just slightly proud and spin a dome on it in the drill press.
 
Thanks deker for asking the qusestion and thanks for the answers so far.
I was just wondering the same thing.

It appears there may be as many ways to dome pins as there are knifemakers. . .

kimsalls
 
Thanks for the answers so far folks!

Bruce, do you heat treat that drill rod spinner or is it not necessary?

Thanks!

-d
 
With practice, you can do it with a small ball peen hammer.On fragile and expensive material, like ivory and MOP,it is a bit nerve wracking, though. Polish the hammer faces for a better looking job.

The simpler alternative is to use a head spinner.
Assemble the handle,using removable pins. NOTE - Pull these before the epoxy sets up. After the epoxy cures, clean out the pin holes with a drill bit, and slip in new, non glued, sacrificial pins. Do the grinding/sanding/polishing on the handle. Remove the sacrificial pins, and insert the final pins, epoxying them in place. Trim them just a tad proud of the handle....about 1/32 to 1/16...depending on how you want them to look and feel. use a head spinner to dome and seat the pin. Done with care it will not mar the handle.

Stacy
 
deker said:
Thanks for the answers so far folks!

Bruce, do you heat treat that drill rod spinner or is it not necessary?

Thanks!

-d
Click to expand...

I use a dental carbide and can indent the end of a hard drill bit shaft. Usually I dome one end in my small lathe and install it so I only have to do the other end after its in the handle.

gamblersdagger.jpg
 
Bruce, your knives/creations are...I can't really think of good words to describe them. I'm blown away every time I see your work. [/hijack]

Doesn't anyone use a doming block?
 
What is a "head spinner"? My wife thinks it's probably a young babe, but I suspect it is a tool that I would like to investigate.

Phil705
Winthrop WA
 
Bruce Bump said:
Thanks much! Whats a doming block?
Click to expand...

It's a block of steel/aluminum that has half-sphere depressions in it of various sizes. I've never used one, but it's supposed to keep the bottom side of the pin domed while you're peening the top side.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top