Spyderco Sharpmaker/ how to make a hole in hard plastic?

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evert67

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Oct 22, 2011
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I've got a Spyderco Sharpmaker. I'd like to modify the cover so I can use the Sharpmaker with the rods in and the cover closed. So I have to make two triangular holes in the cover.

However, the cover is made of quite thick hard plastic and I've got no clue how to make a hole in it without cracking the plastic.

Is there anyone who can give me some tips? Thanks!
 
That^ or a Foredom low RPMs and high torque, sounds like a nightmare to me; you can cover half of the base as it is designed, have you tried that? Give it a shot, maybe you won't have to drill the cover.
 
Hi,
you don't need power tools,
you can use a utility razor knife, carefully and gently, keep fingers out of the way,
carefully carefully measure and draw your cut lines/triangles,
then with a ruler and the utility razor knife,
score the line lightly and carefully a dozen times
then you can increase force a little and do it a nother dozen,
until you're all the way through, shouldn't take long

don't use more force than you can control,
small movements don't put your biceps into it :D
practice cutting out a triangle on a scrap piece of plastic about same thickness


same approach can be used to cut a sharpening stone in half
its easier to score deep and then chop in half
than score all the way through one inch of stone

you may want to undersize the hole slightly, then clean up the edge, cut/scrape/file/polish... it to size
 
I would drill a hole and then file out the points.

Just make sure that the entirety of the drill bit will fit within the triangle, and use needle files.
 
I have to ask...why??? OK, I don't really need to know, but I like being able to hold on to the top part, when it sticks way past the bottom. If thats not too technical...
 
I'm also wondering why it's even necessary. But, if you must...

Trying to make triangular holes is probably more hassle than necessary, and more likely to run into problems. A 5/8" circular hole for each rod could be done neatly and quickly. A 1/2" hole might work for each, IF the hole is precisely aligned with the holes in the base; otherwise, they may not line up well enough to make the rods fit. A 5/8" hole would give a little wiggle room for errors in alignment.

I'd think a 3/8" variable-speed drill with a forstner bit or spade bit should handle the task well; the forstner bit would be my preference for a clean hole in plastic. These bits both have sharp edges at the perimeter which should neatly scribe the circle and cleanly cut the hole. The SM's rods are 1/2" wide across the flats, so a bit diameter of ~ 5/8" or so should work. Drill from the inside of the SM cover, and back the outer face with something firm, like a piece of smooth & flat wood (2x4, etc), perhaps clamped together. Use a smaller drill bit first for a pilot hole (maybe 1/16" - 1/8"), to stabilize and guide the larger bit; that should also minimize the risk of cracking. Keep pressure very, very light and RPMs low. Might also consider using some sort of lubricant (oil, water, etc), to minimize the risk of the plastic overheating and melting as you drill (makes a mess of the drill bit, after melted plastic re-hardens on it).

I wouldn't try drilling any large hole with a Dremel; they're very low-torque, and don't maintain speed or torque very well with big-diameter bits. I'm not even sure a bit large enough exists for a Dremel anyway, with only a 1/8" shank.


David
 
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Just drill a hole a bit larger then the triangle rods and either leave the holes round or file them to make triangles. Why would you want to do this anyway?
 
Thanks guys! Why? Because now the Sharpmaker is open in the kitchen (I use it every time before cooking) and my girlfriend doesn't like the looks :)

A round hole with a Forstner sounds like a good option! Or I might make a small hole and then file it out... No dremel, I hear, or did you have a specific dremel tool in mind, Hurlock? Still hesitating, since I have two left hands.
 
Sounds easier to just get a new girlfriend...Lol jk....why not just store it in a cabinet until it's time to use it, pull it out and put it back afterwards...problem of "looks"solved lol
 
Yup... Here's how it'll go...

Drills holes, sets up on counter

evert67: "So, whatda think?"
gf: "Yeah,,,,, still don't like it ".

:rolleyes: :)
 
OP or any other guy with a female how about this.
She don't like knife items lying around the same way I don't like her girlie crap (brushes, makeup, shoes, purses, it goes on and on) lying around.
 
Nfd538 said:
OP or any other guy with a female how about this.
She don't like knife items lying around the same way I don't like her girlie crap (brushes, makeup, shoes, purses, it goes on and on) lying around.
Click to expand...
Wrong quote
 
I was trying to quote about the girly stuff laying around everywhere quote and got the wrong one quoted...my bad

Ohh...duh, I was trying to quote you and got the other post quoted
 
Yeah, I've also made a lot of gf/wife jokes, so go ahead gents.

Bobby3326 said:
.why not just store it in a cabinet until it's time to use it, pull it out and put it back afterwards...problem of "looks"solved lol
Click to expand...

Because it's got to be very easy and quick to use. Before I used a fine Shapton stone in the kitchen. I made a few passes of the knife over it every time before cooking. But just wetting the stone and cleaning up afterwards was too much for simply touching up a knife. That's why I got the Sharpmaker. It's not a lot of time to set it up, but I'd like it to be set up all the time.

Any more advice on the best method to make two holes? Round, triangular or square doesn't matter.
 
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evert67 said:
Thanks guys! Why? Because now the Sharpmaker is open in the kitchen (I use it every time before cooking) and my girlfriend doesn't like the looks :)

A round hole with a Forstner sounds like a good option! Or I might make a small hole and then file it out... No dremel, I hear, or did you have a specific dremel tool in mind, Hurlock? Still hesitating, since I have two left hands.
Click to expand...
Most burrs would do the job.
I don't know what tools you have access to.
Do you have access to a drill or a drill press?
If not I would use a heated metal tube,then clean up the edges.
Lots of ways to skin a cat.
 
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