Making domed locking washers for re-pinning

In one of the illustrations I noticed a doming & dapping set where the block is made of brass. Is a brass block what I want for doming the brass washers or should I look for a block of a harder material? I also have another small question about making the domed washers. What is the purpose of doming them? I'm unsure of which direction the domed washers go in reference to the razors. I would assume the cupped side would go against the scale. Is this correct and is it for the purpose of creating somewhat of a spring tension effect for the pin?

Thanks!

I wouldn't think it would make a difference wether the block was brass or steel, you will not be exerting enough force to hurt the block. The convex side of the washer faces outward and serves two purposes, esthetics as well as spring tension, be careful when peening so you don't smash the washer.

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Originally Posted by kcarlisle

In one of the illustrations I noticed a doming & dapping set where the block is made of brass. Is a brass block what I want for doming the brass washers or should I look for a block of a harder material?

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When you are hitting something to reshape it, you always want the thing you are reshaping to be a softer material than the tool you are using to shape it.

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Originally Posted by kcarlisle

What is the purpose of doming them?

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Aesthetics: fitting contour of scale... round things look nice :shrug: and to prevent snagging on things like fingers clothes etc...

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Originally Posted by kcarlisle

I'm unsure of which direction the domed washers go in reference to the razors. I would assume the cupped side would go against the scale.

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This would be preference; however, generally the flat side of the semi-sphere mates with the surface of the scales... try it out both ways and see how you like it.

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Originally Posted by kcarlisle

is it for the purpose of creating somewhat of a spring tension effect for the pin?

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It would be just as rigid as the pin w/o the washer. If the washer were to serve a purpose other than aesthetics I believe it would be to create a more evenly distributed surface pressure, therefore decreasing the probability of cracking (over length of time) or denting the material that the scales are made of. :beer2:

A couple more thoughts. Aside from the aesthetics or pocket lint practicality of the domed pin...

Doming the washer leaves a little space between the maximum point of tension from the peened pin and the scale. The temptation is to give the pin just one more whack. This will be a bad thing if the pin is a little too short, so the washer gives you some standoff distance reducing the chance of this kind of mistake. A longer pin in the beginning gives you some room later for adjustment of tension if the blade loosens.

The spreading (aka upsetting) of the pin occurs in the opening of the washer now stood away from the scale and not the inside scale, reducing the chances of splitting. Plus it exerts the peened holding force over a wider area that is the diameter of the washer, rather than a smaller diameter that increases the risk of splitting. Greater holding power.

If you started with a soft brass block, it will work harden when you make washers. In the end, you have a harder block so steel or other harder material would be cool to start with if you're lucky, but brass will work and get better with age or more washers.