pin size??NOW WITH PICS

[Schmidtster]

Hey I just bought a small caper knife blank to try out my first handle before I get into some files. I was wondering if you need to use a press fit pin for the size of hold in the handle or if I could use smaller pins and the epoxy will fill the gap? Also has anyone ever tried pieces of coat hanger for pins?

[Schmidtster]

oh and I also forgot to ask, has anyone used brazing rod for pins? think it might be close to the right size and I can get some at work.

[jackie]

herein the usa we can get 1/8 inch brazing rods which is what i use.   i would guess you should use the same size rod as the hole size in the knife. seem like it would be a better fit foreverything.  i know people on here have used nails for pins. they might rust but would work .

[Bobby Urban]

I use coat hanger, welding rod, or whatever I can find in the shop and usually have larger holes in the tang than the rod because I am not great at making knives so the larger hole makes fit and finish easier for me.  Perfect holes through and through require perfect mock-up and although I am sure I could get it I don't want to take the time or deal with the frustration.  

Modern epoxies will hold forever even without pins so most pins are really for show.  

I say that last statement tongue in cheek as I am not selling my knives.  Those that are I imagine will feel differently about pins and epoxy so take it with a grain of salt.  I am just trying to say that if your pin holes are not perfect and you use a quality 2 part epoxy you will be happy with the strength of the handing.

[Schmidtster]

well I found some brazing rod that is 1/8" and a perfect fit, glued the whole thing up last night so will be taking the clamps off tonight to have a look I'll put some pictures up of my progress later thanks alot

[Schmidtster]

heres what I've got so far!! I'll add more as it comes along.

[madness522]

Looking good so far!

[Bobby Urban]

Very nice - for future reference you will find cutting your pins closer to the handle width and just leaving then a little proud(if not even with the handle) will save you effort, paper and trouble.  

you are going to sand some of the handle scales anyway so no need for the pins to be that long and deal with the pita of sanding them down.  

Looking forward to the finished pics!!

[Schmidtster]

Yeah I think it would be a really go idea to start with smaller pins, next time I guess. Well here it is all finished up!!

[Schmidtster]

Wait nope that's the new file I'm working on haha here it is