Stag questions

T

Taz

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Apr 28, 1999
Messages
2,565
Ok. Rade Hawkins stuff is out, so I will probably go with texas Knifemakers supply. Are there any tips for drilling stag handles? the edges are radiused, so I will need to hold it steady when I am drilling it. Any tips for this? i don't have a drill press vice. Also, for clamping the handles for gluing, how do I keep from messing up the stag? will a thin foam help? Any other tips for stag handles? My uncles hunting knife is jsut about ready for heat treat. I will try to get it scanned or photocopied and then scanned this week. I took it up to a 120 grit belt finish (I dont have any finer belts
frown.gif
) If i can, I will use my bosses big wet sander with an old worn out 800 grit belt.
 
Hi Taz; The best idea I ever had was to cut a thin piece of smooth material (I used good quality plywood) about the same length as my handle and a little wider. Then I 'borrowed' my wife's glue gun and while pressing it against the plywood, built up a cradle of glue around the antler. The glue will really stick to the plywood but with a good grunt and a twist the antler will pop right out without any of it left behind. The beauty of this method is you can position the irregular shape of the antler in any position you like IE; square to your drillpress, bandsaw, etc. without fear of it wobbling around. Hope this helps.

Hugh
aka; totallytactical
 
Hi Taz,
When Clamping stag,I've always used a heavy piece of leather,but I'm sure all the other methods mentioned will work.For clamping the stag for drilling I used a pair of vice grips and clamped it to the drill press table.Hope this helps.

Rick Hinderer
 
I made a clamp for holding the stag on a hidden tang blade when drilling. You could use it for assembly too, but I haven't found it necessary. It keeps everything real tight so the stag doesn't slip while drilling the holes. It also lets you adjust the stag so you can align it properly.
All I did was take an 18" quick grip clamp, knock the fixed ends off the bar, and weld some 1" angle iron on each side where the end stop was. Then for cusioning, I stuck some adhesive backed weather stripping on the angle where the guard would hit. Then just slip the blade between the angle irons, slide the clamp up and squeeze till it's as tight as you want it. I've used this clamp for over 4 years.

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
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