Tapping Titanium

[FlaMtnBkr]

I just got a mini skirmish and really like it except it is tip down.

Is tapping titanium hard? I notice that the knife has steel inserts that the clip screws into. The clip is also recessed I assume to help with the clip trying to rotate. If I tap it for tip up carry (and probably a wave to go with it) will I run into any problems?

Should I go with 2 screws like it comes with or add a third? Is there a rule about how many threads should be in the Ti? I have heard that with aluminum if you have at least 4 thread in the aluminum you should be ok for strength. Don't know if this is a good rule of thumb but wondering if I should try to find some longer Torx screws that wil go the whole thickness of the Ti or if 2/3 of the way thru would be sufficient.

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

Ryan

 

[STR]

Tapping titanium is a challenge, particularly if you go by the book for sizing of drills to use with each tap.

For example the books call for a number 50 drill to be used for 2-56 taps. Try that with a piece of titanium though and you will likely begin an exercise in frustration followed by more frustration when the tap snaps off inside the hole.

I use a thread forming tap and a number 47 drill for titanium. The deeper you thread in titanium the more it hugs the tap so its particularly challenging due to this galling and sticking characteristic unique to the metal which is why so many stay with thinner sizes I think. Its just too much of a pain in the arse to use the thick stuff for many. It was a learning curve for me and I did it for a while in all the wrong ways believe me.

At least with titanium if you break off a tap you can soak the slab or liner in ferric chloride acid and let that eat out the tap and try again. Thats not an option with other metals.

STR

 

[anti-torsion]

I agree with STR, I use this chart to help figure where I should be for drill bit sizes.

 

[knarfeng]

This might help you, also.
http://www.titanium.com/titanium/tech_manual/tech2.cfm

Especially the recommendation to use SHARP tools.

 

[Charlie Mike]

tap it for tip up carry (and probably a wave to go with it)

:thumbup:

I waved my 630 and ground a double edge. That edge was reground by Richard J.