What do you use a mill for in knifemaking??

A

ANGRYMOB

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May 26, 2005
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I have some tool money and was thinking a mini mill, but other than making clean holes in guard material, what can I do with it????
 
Milling patterns in handles, milling out pockets for inlays and inletting, milling bolsters, making integrals, precision drilling of parts for folders. I'm sure there's a lot I'm missing.

Do a search on mini mills before you buy one.
 
As someone who has to use someone elses, I don't often use use one (though I want to get one). What I have used it for repeatedly is to contour the inside curve in my guards. I use a single plunge cut with a 3/4 in end mill in 3/8 in brass. It would also speed up guards on narrow tang knives and reduce the number of guards I ruin.
Daniel Krohn
 
I think mills are like motorboats or motorcycles. You always wish you had gotten a bigger one. If you want precision you will want a larger one. The more mass - the more stability. I have a 9 X 42 Jet knee mill. A lot of money but a nice machine and I don't think I'll outgrow it.

Also, look into the cost of tooling up. The mill itself is just a part of the cost. You'll need a vise, collets, cutters, etc. It really adds up.

My machine is big enough that I can make other tools on it. All kinds of little things that make the job easier.
 
Be sure to get a mill with a spindle that accepts R8 collets.

My milling machine is the most versatile tool in my shop. I mill the flats on all my blades. :D
 
I find that I use mine for milling the slot in gaurds and as a precsion drill press more than anything else for knifemaking. I've got a Smithy Midas 3 in 1, lathe, drill, mill. It's heavy enough for some pretty big jobs for a mini mill and set-up doesn't take long.

I find that I use the lathe for gun work more than anything. That and I've lost count of how many lift pins I've turned for my father's tractors! :D
 
And, milling handle material flat. Your wood from a stablizing company and odd pieces of phenolic.
 
I just got my mill. Still in learning mode. Also just getting into folders so I need a flat where the pin rides. It needs to be parallel to blade. I forge my blades so I don't have the parallels you get with precision stock. What's the best way to get that first flat parallel.

Larry
 
You can split 3/8 inch scales with a slitting saw and make two knife handles from a pair of scales.
 
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