Please Help!!!!

Joined
Nov 27, 2007
Messages
255
im having a problem with drill bit sizes. if i use a pin 3/32, 1/8,or1/4 how much bigger should the hole be? i see in other discussions where bit sizes are refered to in #'s not fractions or metric graduations how do these relate to other sizes?
 
When using an 1/8" pin, i drill an 1/8" hole and spin the pin in my drill press with emery cloth or sand paper. Its slow, but works out nice!
 
Hi Willy, I might do this wrong, but I try to keep things simple. I just drill with whatever size my pin stock is, usually drills are just a little oversize (that's why we drill under and use a reamer if we want an exact fit). If I can't get the pin to go I'll use a hand reamer to enlarge slightly. I also taper both sides of the pin stock before using it, this makes it easier to put in and take out.
 
When I starting to prepare my knives for handles I spin my pins on the buffing machine utilizing a hard wheel saturated in the gray/black compound. As the buffing wheel is turning I place the pin as shown in the photo for illustration purposes.

I spin the pin upward as the rotation of the wheel goes downward, removing metal and reducing the size of the pins. I make a few passes and then check. You do not want it to big or to small this is something that has to be just right. Most pins are over sized and can be took down to the proper size desired.

To me this is the fastest way for the job. But remember this is my way. It's not the only way it just my way. I also taper the end of the pins as well. Hope this was educational. And have a great Christmas and happy new year. :thumbup:
 
thank so much for all your help! there are no shops in central pa. that i could get help from. this site has helped me so much. i think its really great that people with so much knowledge in this field are so willing to share. many other craftsman are not willing to help the way you guys are! THANK YOU!!!
 
thank so much for all your help! there are no shops in central pa. that i could get help from. this site has helped me so much. i think its really great that people with so much knowledge in this field are so willing to share. many other craftsman are not willing to help the way you guys are! THANK YOU!!!

And by the way Wecome To BaldeForums. There always someone here to help other knife makers in need. You will find good people on this one. Have a great Christmas. :thumbup::D:)
 
i drill the same size as my pin stock so it fits nice and tight. sometimes if its a little too tight ill sand the pins a little by hand, but not much. and i also taper the ends of my pins so they dont bugger the sides of the hole.
-Lou
 
Hey Willie,
For 3/32" I use a #41, For 1/8" I use #30, For 1/4" I use an F size bit, but that's just me.

Monty
 
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