What tools for counterboring

[Spyder328]

So I really want to make some scales for some of my knives. What do you all use for the countersinking of the pivot and handle screws? I have a Dremel, drill press, and some other tools. Any other tips would be helpful as well :thumbup:

 

[bpeezer]

Do you need to countersink, or counterbore? Most scales I've seen require counterboring, which can be done with regular end mills. If you do actually need to countersink, you can buy a countersink bit for pretty cheap.

 

[Spyder328]

I guess counterboring then I am very new to the custom scale world and don't know all the terms Is it difficult to counterbore scales? Are there any things I need to watch out for when counterboring?

 

[bpeezer]

Make sure your depth of cut is accurate. On your drill press, set the travel stop for it. I would suggest counterboring right after drilling the hole, without moving anything. That's an easy way to make sure that the cuts are concentric

 

[Spyder328]

Thanks, hopefully after all the Christmas shopping is done I can get some bits and start making some scales

 

[billy blade]

I might also suggest a counter bore/counter sink bit that has multiple flutes or cutters. Avoid the cheaper ones that only have a single cutter. The former performs much better.

 

[phillipsted]

I might also suggest a counter bore/counter sink bit that has multiple flutes or cutters. Avoid the cheaper ones that only have a single cutter. The former performs much better.

I concur about using counterbores - they make a flat bottomed hole which gives pan-head screws something to snug up against. If the screws are flat topped, then you will need to countersink, which gives you a sloped-sided hole.

It is somewhat time consuming to counterbore after making the initial holes while keeping them concentric - but this is how I like do it. That way, the counterbores are nice and clean after the shaping/contouring is completed. The trick is to align the holes first with the original drill bit. Then, without moving the scale or the drill head, change the drill bit for the counterbore. This should keep them lined up nicely.

Oh, and for the countersinks - I only buy the non-fluted "zero-flute" designs any more. These are generally a little more expensive, but make a very nice clean hole and are easy to resharpen.

TedP