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The Folding Knife (& Switchblade) Forum The materials, techniques and the designing of folding knives. |
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#1
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Quick tip - Walmart pattern & template matterial
Hey guys, just thought I'd share this with you. I found a nice source for improvised pattern and template matterial at Walmart. In the kitchen section with all the cutting boards there is a product that is about 8"x10" and contains 4 plastic cutting boards of different colors. The boards are only 1/8" thick (aprox.) They are soft plastic like the typical 1/2" thick variety, but being only 1/8" they are a good thickness for folder patterns/templates. Cost is $4. This isn't the perfect matterial - it's quite elastic and power-sanding creates messy edges but they clean up easily with a fingernail scrape and a quick hand sanding. I'd say give it a try if you need some template matterial and don't have any kydex handy.
-Ben M. |
#2
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I use Arborite or Formica. You can buy those small sheets at great prices. It cuts well, drills well. grinds well, isn't affected by water and gives a very hard outline. Frank
__________________ Without collectors there would not be makers. |
#3
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Great tip Ben. I'll have to check those out next time I'm at walmart. One tip when it comes to creating folder pattens is that it's a good idea to use steel and then harden it if the pattern is also use as a drill guide. Softer material will allow your drill bit to walk a little more each time you use the pattern. -chris
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#4
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Followup:
Frank, can you give a little more info about the formica/arborite? I scoured my local Home Depot and didn't come up with what I thought was the right stuff. I found some countertop matterial but it's only 1/16" thick including a wood backing. I made another patern from my walmart stuff and it would be nice to use something that was easier to get a finished edge on, but still thick enough to hold dowel pins straight. -Ben M. |
#5
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Yes Ben, that is the stuff I'm sure. It does come in two thicknesses. For some reason I could only find the thinner stuff at Home Depot and I ended up glueing strips together with contact cement . Not the way to go. I'm sure any other building supply will have those small sheets in the thicker type which is what you want. Be careful, if as I do, you strip it (usually 1 1/2"),. Wear glove sand take the sharp edge off on an little angle with the belt grinder. Ive used this meathod for patterns for many years both for straight knives and folders. Frank
__________________ Without collectors there would not be makers. |
#6
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Thanks for the info, Frank.
-Ben M. |
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blade, knives |
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