Drilling knife blades

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3leggedturtle
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Drilling knife blades

Post by 3leggedturtle »

I've been making knives with deer antlers for handles, how do you drill holes thru them, have a cobalt drill bit and had a really tough time a Winchester knife. The Solingen is just a hard. Any hints tips or info. Thanks Todd/3leg
30/30 Winchester: Not accurate enough fer varmints, barely adequate for small deer; BUT In a 10" to 14" barrelled pistol; is good for moose/elk to 200 yards; ground squirrels to 300 metres

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AJMD429
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Re: Drilling knife blades

Post by AJMD429 »

A straight flute carbide bit I got from MidwayUSA will go through the hardest gun parts I've seen, so maybe try one of those. Use cutting oil.
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3leggedturtle
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Re: Drilling knife blades

Post by 3leggedturtle »

Never thought about carbide! Duh :? These blades make bed frames seem like aluminum.. thanks Doc
30/30 Winchester: Not accurate enough fer varmints, barely adequate for small deer; BUT In a 10" to 14" barrelled pistol; is good for moose/elk to 200 yards; ground squirrels to 300 metres

250 Savage... its what the 223 wishes it could be...!
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Buck Elliott
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Re: Drilling knife blades

Post by Buck Elliott »

For fast holes, drill slow..
And use good cutting oil..
High drill speeds can work-harden some steels..
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Buck

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GunnyMack
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Re: Drilling knife blades

Post by GunnyMack »

Smaller diameter drill = high RPM, lots of lube!
Yes carbide drill, most any machine tool supply house has them.
You could also spot anneal by heating a steel rod to red heat and hold it to the spot you want to drill. You have to hold it in place until the rod cools. Make sure the knife handle is the heat sink, not your vise!
It may take a few times which is a PITA!
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Nate Kiowa Jones
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Re: Drilling knife blades

Post by Nate Kiowa Jones »

These folks offer carbides

DrillsandCutters.com
Steve Young aka Nate Kiowa Jones Sass# 6765

Steve's Guns aka "Rossi 92 Specialists"
205 Antler lane
Lampasas, Texas 76550


http://www.stevesgunz.com

Email; steve@stevesgunz.com

Tel: 512-564-1015

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piller
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Re: Drilling knife blades

Post by piller »

You can get carbide drill bits at Harbor Freight. Use a drill press and a vise. The tungsten bits snap if they are put in a bind. I like the ones for rotary tools.
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Chuck 100 yd
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Re: Drilling knife blades

Post by Chuck 100 yd »

Inexpensive masonry drill bits have carbide tips and can be used to drill hardened steel. Be careful not to overheat them and lighten up the pressure when breaking through the far side as that is when most drill bits catch and are broken.
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