Stupid question.. measuring... knife building

[dolek]

what epoxy do most use? I picked up some T88 to try.. if I remember right...

T88 is a fine choice,it is not brittle which is a very good thing .Brittle epoxy trying to hold wood/steel will sometimes pop .

 

[dolek]

You could try these gauge pins:

View attachment 1041164
190 pins, from 0.061 to 0.250 for $50 - here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UCQO4HM/?tag=accuratescom-20

Alex

That is cool,thanks for sharing .

 

[Downhill]

As to sizing- convert your fractions to decimal and use a caliper. I always use the calipers on my pins first then use calipers to size the needed bit. Lost the ability to see those tiny numbers a while back. I love making knives in my spare time, wish I had enough confidence to sell one. Good luck. Enjoy it.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I use some stuff I get at ACE. 60 minute type.. Made by Devcon, says translucent yellow on it.

 

[JRS]

what epoxy do most use? I picked up some T88 to try.. if I remember right...

G-Flex.

 

[mikeinct]

what epoxy do most use? I picked up some T88 to try.. if I remember right...

After Loc-tite discontinued producing my old fav. 60 min cure in 4oz bottles..I switched to Bob Smith Industries, JSP 30 min cure..upc # 07336205009 same deal two bottles..Made in USA..I've done fishing rod reel seats & over a dozen custom knifes with that stuff..Seems about as good as my old Fav..Mike in ct

 

[JRS]

Tapered tang secured with G-Flex.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

Tapered tang secured with G-Flex.View attachment 1041212

I have never heard of G/flex. So I googled it. It seems to be the same epoxy I use for making micarta. I get the stuff I use from a boat place back east.. I am gonna hafta try it on a handle and see.. Here's a knife handle using the Devcon

 

[mikeinct]

Where do you guys get those super thin trims ?? I wish I could post some pics up here of my work..mike in ct

 

[TheOtherZilla]

Where do you guys get those super thin trims ?? I wish I could post some pics up here of my work..mike in ct

I get mine from a few different suppliers. Wish I could find some even thinner. I get the Reindeer antler from Thompsons knife. Jantz and USA knifemaker have stuff too. .024" is about as thin as I can find. Like to find some ~.018

One such place https://www.texasknife.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=587_729

 

[JRS]

Where do you guys get those super thin trims ?? I wish I could post some pics up here of my work..mike in ct

If you are referring to the spacers, you make them yourself. The spacers on the handle I posted are roughly 1/64".

 

[TheOtherZilla]

Where do you guys get those super thin trims ?? I wish I could post some pics up here of my work..mike in ct

Actually after looking I believe you may be referring to the Nickel Silver used. You can buy this sheets and cut to fit.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

If you are referring to the spacers, you make them yourself. The spacers on the handle I posted are roughly 1/64".

Where did you find spacers that thin? .024" is the thinnest I can find..

 

[Pulpit]

I agree regarding G-Flex. Unfortunately, I’ve had the “pleasure” of having to strip scales off a knife due to my noviceness and the wood splintered and split due toduch a strong bond to the steel.

Just finished this one using G-Flex:

 

[dolek]

I agree regarding G-Flex. Unfortunately, I’ve had the “pleasure” of having to strip scales off a knife due to my noviceness and the wood splintered and split due toduch a strong bond to the steel.

Just finished this one using G-Flex:

That is a beautiful knife.

 

[Pulpit]

Thanks!

 

[Cloudrepair]

I make knives
and I just match the pin size with the bit size. 1/8" brass rod = 1/8" bit.. You really need to learn the conversions though. i have most memorized, but the simple way is to divide the top fraction number by the bottom number. That will give you the decimal equivalent. Example: 1/4" 1 divided by 4=.25". 1/8 is half that, but 1 divided by 8 = .125".

for 3/16" it's 3 divided by 16 = .1875"

Unless you are using already made knife blades and blanks you decide the hole size. If you are buying blanks the supplier should have the pin size listed on his website..

Man the things you forget when you use cadcam programs all the time
I feal like I'm cheating

 

[300_whisper]

This is an informative thread. Thanks @Sniper338 for posting. Learning a lot.

 

[JRS]

Where did you find spacers that thin? .024" is the thinnest I can find..

Check with a custom jeweler

 

[FFEMT]

Sniper338, two comments...... I think. #1 - The internet is/can be you’re friend. (Hate it when I have to say things like that) #2 - If at all possible, try to locate a “Hammer in” in your area. Hammer in’s are typically a semi social event that can draw a lot of knife makers. Albeit the majority of these makers start their knives from scratch, there is still a tremendous amount of knowledge from many facets of knife making. An afternoon with an “experienced” maker can produce so much information to reduce your learning curve, it can be well worth it to you. It can also introduce you to new friends, that are and will be willing to share as much information as you can soak up. Knife makers are a lot like the shooters...... Vast amount of knowledge and desire to befriend and help other enthusiasts. Bob