Thread: Would you re-pin Ivory just to clean a rusted tang?

Originally Posted by Philadelph

Anyway the problem comes when I actually de-pin and re-pin the razor. It doesn't have any washers to protect the ivory, so when I try getting that pin out, if I slip up .

I've never drilled a scale before [but I'm thinking about it with my ivories], and I'm having trouble picturing the problem. Do you mean having a washer on the outside of the scale? To stop the drill bit from damaging the ivory if it skips off the pin? (I guess a drill press is best, huh?)

Could you drill a hole the diameter of the pin through a small piece of sheet metal [or find an appropriate size washer], then tape the "washer" so it fits down over/around the pin? Then they'll be a washer for protection, right?

I'm just brainstorming without a clear picture, so forgive me if I sound silly.

Thanks,
Christopher

Personally I would NEVER drill out a pin in ivory scales without a drill press.

With a drill press you need to stabilize the razor, and then you gently drill down with a 1/16" drill, always taking care to use minimal pressure (let the drill do the work) and allow the pin time to cool if -> drill in intervals.

Without a drill press there is always the chance of slipping.
And it would royally suck to destroy genuine ivory scales.

A washer around the pin to protect the scales seems ok, but if the drill slipps from the pin, it will likely slip from the washer as well, and roll across the washer until it embeds itself in the 'soft' ivory.
A metal sheet would probably work, but all things considered I'd use a drill press.

Actually, the best way to use a drill press is to take the razor to the drill bit, not lower the drill onto the razor. Put some electrical tape around the pivot, with a hole in it directly over the pin. That'll give you a little margin of error to work with in case you slip. Cradle the razor in both hands, then brace your arms on the drill press table and raise the razor up toward the spinning bit. You need a SHARP bit. If it starts to wander, you can compensate by shifting your fingers slightly.

I think I could successfully unpin and repin ivory this way, but it's a pretty big risk. The washerless thing is what worries me the most. At least you know how to make some nice replacement scales if these get trashed.

Josh

I would use a center drill to cut the pins. A center drill is stiff enough that it doesn't flex like a regular twist drill. I have delt with Enco and find them to be a good company here is a link to the drills I mentioned Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Measuring Tools, Cutting Tools and Shop Supplies.

Don

+1 on Gary's idea the re-enforced scales from the back would probably be the way I would do it also. I was thinking an actual liner (brass) but I like the fiberglass cloth idea too....
+ 1 on the drill press also they are worth they weight in gold for de-pinning *with a sharp bit*...
Good luck!!!!

Wow, this one I forgot about...

I actually got the pins out a long time ago. Forget exactly how too, but I remember it not being too difficult. I do have a drill press at hand but don't remember if that's what I did.

Anyway, as for Gary's idea, that's what I was leaning towards. So the scales have just been sitting there (I've since gotten more ivory scales, lol). Then it did occur to be why not use a metal liner? That is what I think I'm gonna do once I get back to them. Aluminum probably.