Hello,
I posted here almost 2 years ago as I anticipated making my own knives. Well, it didn't happen as things changed (wifes job went to mexico). So, I'm trying again.
I have searched here, google and I have found conflicting answers. I have a belt sander/grinder that will work for now and some wood working hand tools. I will purchase "blade kits" or finished blades minusthe scales. These blades are hardened and from my reading, are DIFFICULT to drill. I don't mean to imply I will drill every knife I buy, but I will modify a few for different pins, rivets etc. I doubt if I will get to the point in the next few years where I will grind my own blades and purchase the needed heat treat equipment (space limits) grinders/sanders etc.
My next purchase will be a drill press. I have looked at many and have settled on the Grizzly 12 speed MAINLY for the speed settings of 140-3050. From my searches, (here are the conflicts), some say SLOW speed, oil, carbide drill is needed, others have different ways to deal with this like spot annealing. So, my question is: Most drill presses slowest speed is 600+- rpm. For MY NEEDS is 600 slow enough with a carbide bit or should I opt for the Grizzly and the lowest speed of 140 rpm? I would guess from reading here the holes I will drill will be 1/8" - 5/16". It might be a new hole or enlarge an existing hole.
NOTE: I have woodworking experience and NONE for steel.
Thanks
Tony
I posted here almost 2 years ago as I anticipated making my own knives. Well, it didn't happen as things changed (wifes job went to mexico). So, I'm trying again.
I have searched here, google and I have found conflicting answers. I have a belt sander/grinder that will work for now and some wood working hand tools. I will purchase "blade kits" or finished blades minusthe scales. These blades are hardened and from my reading, are DIFFICULT to drill. I don't mean to imply I will drill every knife I buy, but I will modify a few for different pins, rivets etc. I doubt if I will get to the point in the next few years where I will grind my own blades and purchase the needed heat treat equipment (space limits) grinders/sanders etc.
My next purchase will be a drill press. I have looked at many and have settled on the Grizzly 12 speed MAINLY for the speed settings of 140-3050. From my searches, (here are the conflicts), some say SLOW speed, oil, carbide drill is needed, others have different ways to deal with this like spot annealing. So, my question is: Most drill presses slowest speed is 600+- rpm. For MY NEEDS is 600 slow enough with a carbide bit or should I opt for the Grizzly and the lowest speed of 140 rpm? I would guess from reading here the holes I will drill will be 1/8" - 5/16". It might be a new hole or enlarge an existing hole.
NOTE: I have woodworking experience and NONE for steel.
Thanks
Tony