How should I make a framelock?

[Triforge]

I know I'm still probably a bit away from it, but I was wondering, how do I cut the lock bar, how do I cut the relief, where and how would I know where to cut the release, how much to tension it? how to keep the tension? and lastly, is a mill absolutely necessary or can I use other tools?

 

[ev13wt]

Bob Terzuola's book is quite awesome in this regard.

 

[Varga Knives]

Google and you should be able to find a free download of the book. The pictures aren't very clear but you can't complain for the price.

Eta: I think at a minimum you should have a drill press and some sort if rotary tool. I used a die grinder with a 2.5" sanding drum for the lock relief. Getting an 8-ish degree lock face on the tang can be tricky without a disc sander or belt grinder with work rests.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

I bought a framelock and basically copied the design to make mine making slight adjustments. I cut my lock bar on a drill press and sliding table using a dremel cutoff wheel. I didn't use any relief. I bent mine about 1/2" inward and was happy with the tension. The part I had the most trouble with was the spacer. Probably rebuilt it 5-6 times.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

1. Terzoula Book
2. Tram Your Drill Press
3. Spend about 1000 hours making about 40 folders, throw them all away, finally make one that is good, sell it, say it was easy money!

 

[Frank Niro]

Yes, Daniel, yes ! Frank

 

[Triforge]

1. Terzoula Book
2. Tram Your Drill Press
3. Spend about 1000 hours making about 40 folders, throw them all away, finally make one that is good, sell it, say it was easy money!

What's traming a drill press?

 

[12345678910]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/564551-Squaring-a-Drill-Press-Table

 

[Triforge]

Ohh I see. I already have that…. Terzuola book up next then.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

You certainly don't need a mill, but it wouldn't hurt to have one either.