Tool for divots

S

skippyW

Joined
Jul 1, 2013
Messages
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I want to put divots, like on the scales of the Spyderco 'Lil Temperance 3, in a folder with smooth carbon fiber scales. Something like 3/8" diameter, 5/64 to 1/16" deep. The CF scales measure 0.145 thick at the point where I want the divots and are flat (in that area).

Any suggestions on what kind of tool to use with drill press? I assume that slow and low speed is the best. Anything else that would minimize the chance of chipping the carbon fiber? Oil?

If you know of a tool that would be good, please be specific as possible.

The other possibility would be through holes in the carbon fiber exposing the liners like on an Emerson Karambit. The divots or holes are for functional not cosmetic purposes (I want to be able to "wave" it out of the back pocket on jeans). Any advice on drilling carbon fiber and avoiding chipping are also welcome.
 
42,
Thanks for helping out with some of the heavy lifting around here today.
What . . . is there some game or other on ?
Pretty dead around here.

I would second the ball end mill (for a Dremel) and strongly recommend using water (sure it is going to spray everywhere; do it outside) this will keep the dust down and WEAR A GOOD RESPIRATOR. You most certainly do not want to inhale carbon fiber ! ! !
 
PS: a photo or a link to what you want would help

skippyW said:
Something like 3/8" diameter, 5/64 to 1/16" deep.
Click to expand...
AhOh
do you mean like this Link>>>>
in that case you will need an end mill and a drill press at the very least and better yet a mill.
Get it done by a knife maker or buy the knife you like with this done to it.
 
The first thing you need is a respirator- a good one rated for carbon fiber.
This is why the trend of using G-10 and carbon fiber is a bad one. These materials are no better than other, less dangerous, materials.
 
Wowbagger said:
PS: a photo or a link to what you want would help


AhOh
do you mean like this Link>>>>
in that case you will need an end mill and a drill press at the very least and better yet a mill.
Get it done by a knife maker or buy the knife you like with this done to it.
Click to expand...
Yeah, those are the kind of divots I want.
Bill DeShivs said:
The first thing you need is a respirator- a good one rated for carbon fiber.
This is why the trend of using G-10 and carbon fiber is a bad one. These materials are no better than other, less dangerous, materials.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I knew about G-10 dust. This is looking less and less like a DYI project. I'm going to check Monday if I can buy replacement scales in case these get f-ed up by whoever I get to machine them. The manufacturer (Spyderco) recently discontinued the model I have and it was made in Taiwan so I might abandon this idea entirely.
 
skippyW said:
whoever I get to machine them
Click to expand...
Bill DeShivs above ? !
If he isn't too busy.

skippyW said:
replacement scales
Click to expand...
I'm thinking maybe the best way to go is to get the scale moder to just make the divot scales from scratch from new material and that way you could have your original scales in stock condition incase you decide to put those on later.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
These materials are no better than other, less dangerous, materials.
Click to expand...
Being new at this what is as good ?
I'm thinking Ti but that doesn't look the same. What else is there ?
Serious inquiry; I'm not saying there isn't several other materials.
 
Micarta comes immediately to mind. Natural materials, Delrin.
 
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