Originally Posted by
medicevans
Adam, thank you for the post. I've been thinking about this post all day. I just can't seem to shake the sense that I need to do this, I guess!
What set of files will I need to do this kind of work? I have a drill press and a small bandsaw, and there's a machine shop handy if I need a bigger band, so I'm not too worried about cutting and drilling the blank. What I'm worried about is specifics.
Which steel? CPM154 is a good stainless or O-1 for simple carbon.
Where do I buy an annealed blank of above steel? Jantz Supply is awesome. They will have everything you need.
Which files? i use a Magicut File for fast stock removal and a milling file for smoothing after before moving to wet/dry paper. With the milling file as the magicut marks are removed, starting pressing more lightly and you will leave a smoother surface. A half round file will help with curves {mine is a bastard cut} and a checking file is great for jimping.
Where do I send for heat treating? Can't answer in detail as i am in Australia. However i have heard Paul Bos is reliable.
How thick to leave the edge before h/t? Depends on carbon or stainless. carbon maybe 1/16". Stainless in a vacuum treat i go down to about 1/32". Take the time to get all scratches out before heat treating to make life easy. Be patient. i go to a 1000 grit finish. After heat treat in a vacuum i have only a light oxide coat to remove so i start again at 400 grit and work through a progression to 2000.
How to taper the tang? Use what you have. A file will do it.
Stuff like that. I'm open to making a wedge at first. Seems easier to do by hand than trying to hollow. I've been trying to design a hollowing jig in my head all day.
SFShaver, you still here? Any questions you want to throw into the ring? Maybe we can go through this together.