shop tip: designing folders

[Matt Shade]

Get a good compass to draw circles. You can use it to lay out alot of the dimensions you will need to know. I start out and draw the blade the way I want. Then I measure from the pivot to the back edge of the tang, and use that for the radius of a circle thats centered at the pivot. That shows you the amount of kick that the tang has(amount it lifts backspring), and how far forward the handle scales have to go for them to cover the tang when the knife is closed.
Then I measure from the pivot to the tip of the blade and use that for the radius of another circle(centered at the pivot again). This one shows you where the tip of the blade will be when the knife is closed. That way you can decide how long to make the handle, and make sure that any curves or finger grooves you add, aren't going to leave the tip of the knife exposed when its closed.
Maybe you already knew this one, or know a better way, but it helped an idiot like me out

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We got a five dollar fine for whining
We tell you before you come in
So if it ain't on your mind to have a good time
Y'all come back and see us again.- Chris LeDoux

 

[Darrel Ralph]

Graph paper and a compass will do wonders. Just like cad... just on the computer..
I like velel paper to copy the design if I want to try a change here and there..


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[This message has been edited by Darrel Ralph (edited 05-03-2000).]

 

[KuKu]

Its eally easy to use AUTOCAD to check clearences. It allows you to rotate parts fairly easily and move them around. Then use Rhino to make the actual 3D model to import directly into CAM machines.

 

[tom mayo]

kenonion and i both use plexiglass.... after making a lot of folders you have a pretty good idea where the pivot goes...and with the blade and the pivot hole thats all you need...another piece of plex for the handle, two holes...one for the pivot with a .125 hole in both pieces and one for the stop with a .125 or .187 hole and you are set... most frame shops throw away plex by the truckload.....just go by one and ask for some small scraps....freee....and go for it.

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http://www.mayoknives.com

 

[tom mayo]

i will add....with my way...when youre done with your design you have a working model to trace off of..instead of a piece of paper that you have to transfer to something else so you can make what my way does in the beginning.

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http://www.mayoknives.com

 

[Matt Shade]

I've been making test blanks out of scrap wood the same way you do out of plexiglass. I've got quite a bit of small throw away stuff to hack up on my bandsaw. I always draw up a design though so I have something to look at, and its easier to come up with ideas that way.

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We got a five dollar fine for whining
We tell you before you come in
So if it ain't on your mind to have a good time
Y'all come back and see us again.- Chris LeDoux

 

[BARRY JONES]

I have designed folders using both Matt's and Tom's method (OK, Ken's, too). Both methods work great. I prefer the plexiglass pattern method though.

Take a Tip from a Draftsman. Go and buy yourself a good "circle template". You can get them at any drafting or artist supply house. They are plastic and aren't too expensive. They help you draw those arcs much easier and neater than a compass.

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Barry
Jones Knives
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