This is how I do it

[vaquero57]

Okay, this is how I am doing this set of pins. I threaded my 1/8" rod with a 4x70 die. This slightly knurled the rod so trying to fit it into a 1/8" hole was next to impossible, yet the next size drill bit was too big. I took about 1 1/2" length of this and put it into my drill press and run it through my holes in my slabs. Be careful cause the threads combined with the spinning motion of the drill press do not want to let the press pull out of the slab very easily. It fights you. This made it so the pins fit precise but not tight. I then flipped the slabs over and counterdrilled my holes 3 sizes bigger about 1/4" deep( will vary depending on handle thickness) to allow room for good epoxy bond. The holes in the slab fit precise for good look but will not allow much room for epoxy. the counter holes should easily compensate for this. I used devcon 2 ton epoxy from Jantz. This stuff sets up slow so it allows plenty of time to get things right. Anyways thought I would let you guys in on my progress. Some of you may not care but then again some of you might.

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Vaquero57
McAlpin Bladesmithing

"I am a shootist" Clay Allison

 

[DC KNIVES]

Everything sounds great , but to save you a little time try this.Put your pins it the drill press and make small grooves with a needle file or hacksaw blade.Just stay away from the edges.This also works for thonghole tubing or mosaic pins.Good luck, Dave.

 

[vaquero57]

I like that idea Dave. I learned that if you countersink holes on the backsides to not go too deep especially if you are making a rounded handle.

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" I am a shootist."
Clay Allison
" Does this mean we are bladists?"
Vaquero57
McAlpin Bladesmithing

 

[Diligence]

If you are using Paper Micarta, be careful if the pins are a bit tight.....if you force them through the holes in the slabs, you can easily "punch out" a small bit of material from around the slab pin hole exit point.,.....this is a pain in the rump when it happens.....