Slipjoint makers, prototype rise and fall indicator

[ken erickson]

I thought I would post a few pictures for guys wanting to make a rise and fall indicator used when making slipjoints. The biggest problem with the designs all ready out there is your not able to have the spring loaded in all positions. I made this indicator adjustable for a wide range of patterns. I have not found one yet it does not fit on. I use hardened assembly pins when I make a knife and these pins are what the indicator slips on. It goes on super fast and I can hand hold the knife and indicator. This has cut my fitting time down considerably. Let me know what you think?

 

[John L]

Ken: I don't think I understand it quite yet. I see that the jig fits on the outside of the pins...that's good. I don't understand the gizmo on the end opposite blade. Does the set screw tighten so that your jig becomes rigid and when loosened it becomes adaptable to all size slipjoints? I had a rise and fall indicator and pretty much pitched it after several attempts because...as you say..no good when fitting all three stations under load. Are you going to make these or could I see a few more pics please? I like it as it seems to be very simple if I can understand the workings. Thanks

John Lloyd

 

[ken erickson]

Hi John,

The arm that goes to the back pin is adjustable to fit many different length patterns.The indicator is also very adjustable for patterns that have a wider frame or multi-blade, multi-spring knives. If you notice I used Micarta on the front arm, the reason being is that when this is slipped on the Micarta fits snug on the pin. I was surprised at how rigid this is when its on the pins. I do not plan on making these as I have my hands full making slipjoints! LOL If someone wants to use my idea and build their own, with improvements or not, be my guest. All I ask is that you post a picture here so we may all benefit.

Ken

 

[bigern26]

Awesome idea Ken, Looks good.
I will have to make one of them when I start on my slipjoints!!

Ernie

 

[Cubane]

Wow. You went to a lot of trouble to make that. I agree the other designs are lacking. What I ended up do was to assemble the knife with hardened pins like yourself. I then hold 2 of the pins in the vice and use my dial indicator attached to a magnetic stand that I put on the vice as well. Easy to set up and use, works for multi blades easily as well. As they say a picture says a thousand words. Also works with different sized pins like having a 1/8 pivot pin and 3/32 spring pins.

Alistair

 

[Frank Niro]

I have not making any slip joints yet, but will make sure I have this info to make this jig if I do decide to try. The quality of your work tells me this is a great tool to put into use. Frank

 

[lobodag]

great tool
I am glad you posted it,you showed us on Friday by your shop but my memory is bad .This is super and fast setting.
Thanks
Dave

 

[Sean Cochran]

Great Idea Ken.