Welding 416 to HT ATS34 ?

[Ken Hurst]

Okay gentlemen, here's my question. I have a polished ATS34 HT blade that pin holes for bolsters weren't pre-drilled. I wish to fit two front & rear bolsters to this HT blade by welding 416 bolsters to the ATS34 handle/shank with 416 rod. In lieu of drilling holes with carbide drill, I thought of drilling an 1/8th" hole centered on bolsters. The rod could be inserted into the holes to accomplish the weld, leaving a slight mound of excess weld on top of each bolster to be polished flush before gold inlay and engraving began. I need your experience with weather welding to a HT hande will work. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[mete]

Get out the carbide drill ! You could solder the bolsters without any problem using 95Sn5Ag type solder [low temperature silver solder ]. Welding or brazing would create more problems than it's worth.

 

[Ken Hurst]

Thanks Mete, I was hoping to avoid having to drill but will go on and do it. Soldering sonds easy but I don't think I should go counter to all the good advice I've received --- carbide drilling it is the way I;ll go.