Hey,
I have 1/8in brass rod bought to match brass stock that I made for a bolster. However they're really loose, like fall through loose.
What should I do to make sure they are tight and become invisible after polishing? Should I try to upset them a little before putting them in? Doesn't seem like an easy solution to 1/8th pins. I'm afraid to epoxy them in first because it might leave an epoxy ring around them that is visible after polishing.
I have to deliver this knife Monday, and I want it to be good. It came out beautiful.
Thanks,
Nick
1. anneal pins
2. polish pins to at least 1200 remove as little as possible
3. small nail set or taper pin punch; polish to at least 1200
4. give pins holes a lick with the polished punch; will make sides of holes polished
5. hammer in pins; sand off
6. use a size smaller drill next time.
Mike Williams
Master Smith
I've used this same pin stock before but not sure which drill bit. I have a bunch of them kicking around. Maybe the drill bit is a hair out of specifications? Or are you saying I should use a smaller drill bit for 1/8th inch pin stock?
And Thanks for the tips. I'll try that tomorrow and share the results <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Holes too big=drill error, machine error, operator error or combination of all three.
If the holes are sloppy in your bolster they are probably sloppy in the blade too.
Find the drill that works for you and use it for the appropriate pin. Always measure you drill when it matters. Runout on drills and machines are a fact of life.
good luck
Mike Williams
Master Smith
|quoted:
Holes too big=drill error, machine error, operator error or combination of all three.
If the holes are sloppy in your bolster they are probably sloppy in the blade too.
Find the drill that works for you and use it for the appropriate pin. Always measure you drill when it matters. Runout on drills and machines are a fact of life.
good luck
Thanks again for the tips. She came out really well. I did as you suggested. I also peened one side and drove it into the brass with the flat so it seemed to drive in even tighter, then peened the other side, and sanded it flat and polished it.
If I had the right light angle, you'd notice the pin stock does not perfectly match the brass stock. It's slightly darker.
