I may have mentioned before, all I am doing at this time is taking blanks that I buy from a place down in Davis, OK., adding handle material and pins, dyeing a sheath and that's it. I have no training, but I do a lot of You Tube watching. Occasionally I might want to add a set of bolsters that I have to hand shape and there are no holes in the tang to put the pins in. My drill press, a Ryobi may not be the best in the world, but it's no piece of junk either. I don't think I've ever been successful at punching holes through the tang. I've used cobalt, titanium coated, and black oxide bits. I've used cutting fluid. Believe me, I've turned some titanium bits red hot and ruined them. What am I doing wrong? Is it because the blanks have been hardened? What RPM should I be working at? I'll take any recommendations I can get. Thank you.
I use carbide bits with 2 flutes to drill my holes after heat treat treat if I need more holes. Works like a charm. I nearly always forge a blade to rough shape and drill all my needed holes before heat treat. Planned design keeps your work simple.
I get my carbide bits from Michigan Drills.
I usually drill my holes at the lowest RPM that my drill press will go with plenty of fluid.
Elden those blades from Jantz have hardened tangs too. Your best bet is a carbide bit. Jantz also has those.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Hey thanks for all the great advice! I will follow it.
