The Folding Knife (& Switchblade) Forum The materials, techniques and the designing of folding knives. |
03-28-2001, 07:01 PM
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Step drills
I'm trying my hand at a folder. I drilled the countersink for the bolster holes off center. Anyone know a good source for step drills for small screws like 0-80, 2-56?
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03-29-2001, 11:03 AM
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Bill, I haven't had a lot of personal experience with this, but I have been told that most makers, when working in these small sizes, use a standard drill bit for the counterbore.
They centerpuch the location, drill the counterbore *first*, and then use the smaller drill to complete the hole. The smaller bit, because of the point on the counterbore, goes right to the center.
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03-29-2001, 11:48 AM
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You should be able to just use an oversized bit. It will center itself.
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03-29-2001, 10:16 PM
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Thanks guys, if I leave the piece clamped in place the oversize bit will work. I tried the "reverse" method and it works well also.
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03-31-2001, 09:02 AM
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I drill all holes for my folders with a # 56, one ## smaller than my smallest hole needed. Every one is then drilled to the correct size as I get to that step. After I drill my piece(bolster for example), #56, then #51 or #52 (clearance size, I forget which). When I'm drilling the countersink, I allow the bolster to float on my drilling surface (channel iron for me). The larger drill bit will pull the bolster where it needs to be. If you clamp and drill, you'll miss center quite a bit. Hope this helps.
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03-31-2001, 11:16 AM
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Thanks, Jason- that *does* help. Looks like not clamping is the key.
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03-31-2001, 08:05 PM
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Yes, Thanks Jason, I'll try that-makes sense.
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04-02-2001, 09:22 AM
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Just be careful when you drill brass.
Brass has a tendency to want to climb the drill bit.
Be VERY careful if you are holding small brass parts by hand.
Also,when centering a pilotted hole,a small tap of the drill first before you actually drill will pull the piece in place(centered).
Remove any burr lips from around the hole before you go to the next size drill.A countersink will remove the burr and help center the drill.
Another tip is to use the shortest drill bits possible,there is less flex.
hope it helps.
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04-04-2001, 11:21 PM
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You're right about drilling brass. I was holding a short brass bar, started a 1/8", it grabbed it from me, spun around and hit my thumbnail. The stupidest part was I had a clamp laying right next to the drill press. It's one of those things you only do once.
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04-09-2001, 08:06 AM
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It is amazing how one material acts so different than the rest.Brass is the exception to many rules.
I found out the hard way not to put lubrication on brass while you machine it either.( No need,it is soft)
Smoke,squeele,and a dull tool will most often be the result.
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04-09-2001, 10:08 AM
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...and copper is even worse. Gummy, nasty stuff.
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