Dave Hodson
Plastic
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2017
I don't have much (any) machinist knowledge unfortunately but I'm hoping someone on the forum can help me out.
I've been making knives as a hobby for a couple of years now. I mostly use 18% Nickel Silver for my bolsters and hardware but this year I picked up some 3/4" 316 stainless bar stock to try and I have to tell you, it's been a bit of a challenge. I finally figured out how to drill it to minimize work hardening but I'm really struggling on how to tap it - I've stuck and broke two 1/4-20 taps so far.
I hand tap using a cutting oil and the hole is the size recommended for the tap but it gums up pretty quick. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Dave Hodson
I've been making knives as a hobby for a couple of years now. I mostly use 18% Nickel Silver for my bolsters and hardware but this year I picked up some 3/4" 316 stainless bar stock to try and I have to tell you, it's been a bit of a challenge. I finally figured out how to drill it to minimize work hardening but I'm really struggling on how to tap it - I've stuck and broke two 1/4-20 taps so far.
I hand tap using a cutting oil and the hole is the size recommended for the tap but it gums up pretty quick. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Dave Hodson