Thread: Pin removal vise

I have borrowed a variable speed Dremel Drill Press and obtained some carbide drill bits.

Pin removal via drillout is on my mind but I am stuck at just how best to clamp the razor.

The carbide bits won't take any side thrust and the thought of the Dremel grabbing the razor outta my fingers and having her way with me is daunting.

Get some modelling clay and stick it to a work surface. Press the razor/scales into the clay. Drill away.

I have learned to do it with a slow-turning drill press, about 280 rpm, holding the razor up to the spinning bit with my hands resting on the vise underneath. A rag over the vise to catch shavings and runaway collars as well as cushion the vise a bit. Let the bit do the work, slowly. This way, you can angle the attack of the bit and find center easily. Split-tip bits are a must! Drop of oil on the bit helps. Works well for me.

I use centre bits at the slowest speed on my drill press and they work real well, too

Harbor Freight makes a great vacuum-base, articulated vise (I own one, and love it!), which works perfectly for clamping razors, drilling-out pins, etc. For the price + S/H (unless you've got one of their stores nearby), you can't go wrong.

If I may give you a tip: consider using a small file and a very small punch.
Glen has a tutorial on removing pins where he shows how to use them.
I've found that that method is much safer for the scales, and easier than using a drill press.

Aside from the obvious 'dancing drill bit' issue, if you drill slow (like you should) you get a lot of heat buildup, and this may also affect the scales.
I've had washers embed themselves in plastic scales because they got hot.
Punching out the pins is my preferred method these days.

Originally Posted by Bruno

If I may give you a tip: consider using a small file and a very small punch.
Glen has a tutorial on removing pins where he shows how to use them.
I've found that that method is much safer for the scales, and easier than using a drill press.

Aside from the obvious 'dancing drill bit' issue, if you drill slow (like you should) you get a lot of heat buildup, and this may also affect the scales.
I've had washers embed themselves in plastic scales because they got hot.
Punching out the pins is my preferred method these days.

This is my most often used method. There is still difficulty holding razor, pin, and hammering simultaneously. I have found some pins are so frozen to the blade scale destruction is inevitable if I attempt to punch them. Then there are pins set in inlaid bolsters and the set of ivory scales which were almost free then snapped. Old scales challenge me often enough I want to try machining them out or at least reducing them to the point a few gentle taps might do the trick. The carbide bits don't walk unless there is bearing play in the driver. Clamping methods with some soft face material is what I am hoping to discover. Getting good position under the bit is essential.

I don't trust any power tools anymore for unpinning - too many holes drilled next to the pins, melted scales, broken bits and broken scales. Gently gently with a file and punch is my preferred method (flush cutting can work to but it's risky).

This is my method, i give the pins and pivot a spray with WD40 then cover both sides of the pin and scales with masking tape, then with a small file take the head down till I'm taking metal off the washer, then turn the razor over file a little off the opposite side of the pin so It doesn't stop the pin from coming through now place on a length of hardwood with a small hole drilled in it line up the pin and very lightly tap the pin out with a purpose made punch.

Jamie.

Originally Posted by jaswarb

This is my most often used method. There is still difficulty holding razor, pin, and hammering simultaneously. I have found some pins are so frozen to the blade scale destruction is inevitable if I attempt to punch them. Then there are pins set in inlaid bolsters and the set of ivory scales which were almost free then snapped. Old scales challenge me often enough I want to try machining them out or at least reducing them to the point a few gentle taps might do the trick. The carbide bits don't walk unless there is bearing play in the driver. Clamping methods with some soft face material is what I am hoping to discover. Getting good position under the bit is essential.

This is why I prefer my method mentioned above. I am a fiend for saving collars and filing or cutting them off is not an option. Slow bit speed and a drop of oil on the bit keeps heat to a non issue and controlling my hands is easier than any other technique I have tried. (I have tried plenty others!). Also pins are usually swollen in the scale holes. Knocking them out with a punch results in broken scales too often, IMO. If one can find center of the pin and slowly drill down a bit and then wobble the razor, the collars come right off most of the time, and are reusable. Then, a slight twist of the blade will tell you how tight the pin is in the scales. If the scales separate, you might try the punch. If not, Might as well keep drilling! If the pin you are trying to remove is bent,(they sometimes are!) the punch will not work! Some scales are priceless to the blade!