O.K, let's build a framelock together

[Brett Holmes]

i've been hopeing you would start another one of these threads don. i'd like to say im in too but im not sure if i could hack it. firstly im not even sure what a framelock is, is it an interframe folder like i saw in the workshop area. is it too hard for a first folding knife, ive only made a couple of fixed blades to date. also are they hard to design the workings. i also dont have any fancy tools like a mill i just have a grinder and a drill press

[Ray Rogers]

A framelock is basically just a liner lock with the lock cut from the handle slab, the design elements of the lock mechanism are the same. I mention all of that so that if you would like to see an extremely simple way of designing the lock works of a liner lock you'll know that it can also be used to design a frame lock. The first page of my liner lock tutorial describes the method: http://www.rayrogers.com/ftutorial.htm You don't need a mill or a surface grinder to make a liner lock folder, just some parience and a steady hand....

[Don Robinson]

Like Ray said, Holmsy.

Ray's tutorial teaches his method of making either a linerlock or framelock. You won't need anything other than your drill press and belt grinder plus the proper drills, reamers, and taps. Some sandpaper and hand tools would help too.

Another way to go would be to buy the "My Way" book from my web site. It contains a complete wharncliffe framelock design with all the details needed to build the knife.

Or you can buy the design by itself from the Knifemaker's Supply web site listed below my name here. just click on the link.

Whichever way you decide to go, we'll lead you through making the knife.

Welcome. Thanks for joining in.

[Bill Vining]

Don,

I must say you have a knack for generating interest in this forum. I just happen to have a few knives I'm putting together now. Very basic and simple framelocks. I actually built one for myself a year or so ago and have been carrying it ever since. It's quite a workhorse. When I built mine, I also roughed out a few more but never finished them. Well now I'm finishing them. Here is a shot of my bronze Ti EDC next to one I am finishing up.

They all have a 3" D2 blade and 097 Ti Liners.





This is one I finished up last week. It's not actually a frame lock but has a lock dovetailed into the Ti liner. This one has a full clip blade.



Thanks for lookin'

Bill

[Don Robinson]

Hey, guys, Bill's with us on this.

Welcome, Bill. Please stay with us and post pictures of your WIP as you work on the others.

Wish I knew how you fit that little inlaid lock into the liner.

Great clear pictures.

Thanks.

[Don Robinson]

I said I'd start this last Monday, but other work got in the way.

I finally got a few hours today and got this far.

These blades are made of 3/32" ATS34. they'll be around 2 1/2" long when finished.

these will be small pocket knives.

I make two folder blades at once, so I have one to use as a handle while grinding.

[Don Robinson]

I cut the blades apart, then rough sawed two .050"Ti liners. I use the highest speed on my band saw and friction cut things like this. The blades were also friction cut, then ground on my belt grinder. I take my blades to 60 micron before heat treating, then just clean them up with a 60 micron belt, and hand finish using WD 40 as a lubricant.

No no, these ain't finished yet.

[Frank Niro]

Great working folders Bill!! And, very attractive looking with the color touch, Frank.

[andy gascoigne]

Originally Posted by Don Robinson

Hey, guys, Bill's with us on this.

Welcome, Bill. Please stay with us and post pictures of your WIP as you work on the others.

Wish I knew how you fit that little inlaid lock into the liner.

Great clear pictures.

Thanks.

Don, if you've got Bob Terzoula's book " The tactical Folding Knife" it shows you the full procedure in chapter 7 . You just need a very small 60 degrees dovetail milling cutter. Should be easy for a toolmaker!!

Andy..

I forgot to say, I really like the look of your EDC, Bill and the knife with the inlaid spring looks super cool :cool: :cool:

[pjelect]

Don, I finally finished the Barlow project and posted a pic. Going to start working on the framelock project also and would like, with your permission, to use your design you sent with the My Way boook. Is it OK? Thanx, Pat McGroder

[pjelect]

Bill, that's a great looking folder you made....and a super pic! Pat McGroder

[Don Robinson]

Originally Posted by pjelect

Don, I finally finished the Barlow project and posted a pic. Going to start working on the framelock project also and would like, with your permission, to use your design you sent with the My Way boook. Is it OK? Thanx, Pat McGroder

Sure it's OK to use the design, Pat. You paid for it.

Welcome to this new project.

I'm amazed at how well your barlow turned out. It looks perfect.

I'm anxious to see your finished framelock.

[Don Robinson]

Originally Posted by pjelect

Bill, that's a great looking folder you made....and a super pic! Pat McGroder

It sure is, Pat. Both the knives and pictures.

We're still waiting for Bill to show us how he makes the inlaid lock. :confused:

[Bill Vining]

Don,

Is this your way of saying, show us a photo of the inside? This was my first inlaid lock and it is chunked up a bit on the inside. Doesn't look very nice. I may give it to my son for Boy Scouts.

Anyway......the inside has a milled channel along the lenth of the liner. That channel was then remilled with a 60 degree dovetail cutter that was a bit wider than the channel. A small piece of titanium was fit into the dovetail for the lock. I followed the method in Bob Terzoula's book.

Maybe once it's cleaned up and a new lock is made, I will post a photo.

Bill

[Brett Holmes]

Originally Posted by Don Robinson

Whichever way you decide to go, we'll lead you through making the knife.

well don you dont know what your getting yourself in for, but if you say you can lead me through im willing to give it a go. Ray i read your tutorial and was very impresed with it, it was really helpful. one question i still have though is, how do i cut the lock out of the titanium and also is titanium as hard to work as i've read?

brett