Pin or Solder Bolsters Question

[Tommy W]

On folders, do you pin and solder the bolsters, or just do one of the two. Thank you in advance. Tommy

 

[BossDog]

Several ways to do this and none are really wrong.
I use 2ea 3/32" (3 on a large bolster) and JB weld.
You have to make sure none of the JB weld creeps into the pins or you won't be able to blend them in.

 

[cnccutter]

I solder mine on. Haven’t ever had any trouble with solder lines as long as the prep work is good.

Erik

 

[EdCaffreyMS]

I can't remember the last time I used solder. Modern adhesives have gotten so good, there's no reason to cause yourself the grief the clean up that comes with solder use.
I am a big fan of pinning bolsters, and then use something like JB weld (VERY lightly) as a moisture seal.

Take CLOSE HEED of what Tracy said about the "creep". I had to learn that the hard way.... had a set of bolster where everything went together wonderfully....... then dufus me got thing hot when grinding/sanding, left it overnight, and the next morning there were these really UGLY dark gray rings around all the pins....... DUH!!! JB Weld. You would never believe that could happen on a tightly peened pin.....until it does!

 

[Tommy W]

I pulled up JB weld metal to metal on Google to check price. I did not realize there were so many choices with JB Weld. Do you have a preference. Thank you

 

[EdCaffreyMS]

When it comes to 2 part mixed adhesives/products, it's almost always a safe bet to say that the longer the cure time, the better the properties of the end product. In other words, go with the long set.

 

[BossDog]

I pulled up JB weld metal to metal on Google to check price. I did not realize there were so many choices with JB Weld. Do you have a preference. Thank you

"regular" JB weld is in every home and hardware store. Often by automotive.

 

[BossDog]

On folders, do you pin and solder the bolsters, or just do one of the two. Thank you in advance. Tommy

If you are just starting to peen bolsters. Look for a tapered pin reamer that will match your pin stock. This puts a conical shape hole in your bolster allowing the metal of the pin to spread out and lock in. It also blends significantly better than straight pin holes.

 

[John Wilson]

On folders, do you pin and solder the bolsters, or just do one of the two. Thank you in advance. Tommy

on slipjoints i spot weld the bolsters to the liner. then i use a torch and heat them to red. this gets rid of the visible spot welds. when it’s done the bolsters and liner look like one solid piece.

 

[Alden Cole]

Hi guys, I'm guessing you have to jb weld before peening? Thanks

Edited to add: Ok, I guess that was a pretty dumb question. Just forget I asked that!