pins not round

[69camaro]

I used brass brazing rod for pins in my first knife handles (oak). They appear out of round. Did I try to peen them too much?

 

[Ellison]

Yup. you dont want to peen the pins in the handle material as hard or aggressive as you do in the guard (if you pin your guard). Oh.....and I love the name "69 camaro" ! I also am a proud owner ('69 SS)!!!

 

[ritzblitz]

I also am a proud owner ('69 SS)!!!

Sweet!

I usually don't peen my pins. I just epoxy them in. Bad thing?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Brazing rod is also a bit hard for rivets (but it will work). Try the softer alloy brass rods from a knife supplier. Peen gently and only enough to make a secure head. They sell a head spinner (TKS, K&G, etc.) that will round out and make a perfect head after peening.
Stacy

 

[69camaro]

Thanks guys!

 

[bennett]

Hey bldsmth - I've got one of those head spinner things from TKS, but have never used it, primarily because I don't know how:jerkit: How do they work?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Chuck it in the drill press.

 

[KnifeHead]

Hey bldsmth - I've got one of those head spinner things from TKS, but have never used it, primarily because I don't know how:jerkit: How do they work?

It's a good idea to have 2. Clamp one in a vice on the table. Put the other one in the chuck. Align the one on the table with the one in the chuck and clamp the vice in place. Put a little grease on the tip of the top spinner when you use it. Practice.