BrandantR
Well-Known Member
I've been thinking about purchasing some zirconium to use for bolsters on my folders. I really like the looks that it gives when matched up with the right scale material. I've never worked with this metal, so I have a few questions.
Can you grind it with standard ceramic or aluminum oxide belts? Can you drill it with standard HSS drill bits? Is that nice, dark color seen in the finished product its natural color, or is there a bluing or heat coloring process involved? Any other tips, tricks, or gottcha's that I should be aware of? I want to educate myself the best that I can on this material before I commit to sending in an order. That stuff is too expensive to find that I don't have the skills or tools to work with it. I appreciate any help that you folks can offer.
Can you grind it with standard ceramic or aluminum oxide belts? Can you drill it with standard HSS drill bits? Is that nice, dark color seen in the finished product its natural color, or is there a bluing or heat coloring process involved? Any other tips, tricks, or gottcha's that I should be aware of? I want to educate myself the best that I can on this material before I commit to sending in an order. That stuff is too expensive to find that I don't have the skills or tools to work with it. I appreciate any help that you folks can offer.