Finger Ringed Knives

B

Bligaderski

Joined
Jan 17, 2014
Messages
95
I’ve made several knives with finger rings out of O-1 Tools steel. I have yet to find a way to get the hole in them without trouble. I use 3/16 thick O-1 and put a 1" hole. Anyone got a tool or trick they use, I am looking at possibly getting a 4 flute end mill bit for my drill press, the ones I’ve seen are High speed and I usually run my drill bits or stair step bits slow with lots of coolant to keep it from hardening the O-1(which doesn’t seem to work with the stair step bit). I just have several to do and would like a more stable way of doing it, any help would be great.

I put the ring hole in this one using a dimond hole saw for granite counter tops, it took forever and isnt a viable option...


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For large holes in steel I use a boring head. Not sure if you can get one for your drill press though, I use my mill with it. Did you try a hole saw in your drill press? I would think with slow rpm, coolant and some pressure it would cut a pretty good hole?
 
Can't help, but I do say- That is a nice looking knife!
 
Make a pattern and have a batch water jet cut. Call Aldo about it. His son is doing that right next to his shop. Aldo can sell you the steel and carry it to his son. Can't beat that for crisp shapes/holes and one stop shopping.
 
All the above.
I'd do it with a hole saw, they have a limited life but work great on well-annealed steels, and work great in a drill press.
 
I used a bi-metal hole saw bit I bought at Lowes. I think the brand was Lennox. Worked way better than my step bit because it seemed like no matter how slow I went with the step bit, as the hole got larger, the steel was getting harder to cut. The bi-metal hole saw cut right through it as long as I kept lubricating it. I read somewhere to use dishwashing liquid as I didn't have any cutting oil and wd-40 is apparently too slick? I'm very new at this so take it for what it's worth.
 
I've used this 1" carbide-tooth holesaw from McMaster to drill dozens of holes in O1, CPM154, 3V, S35VN, Elmax, etc.

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Thanks for the reply's. Ive tried the step bits and the Bi-metal hole saws and they work but with limited life. I make most one off after drawing it up for the person so water jetting inst really an option as its only reasonably priced when you get multiple done. I am ordering the carbide bit suggested i think that would give me a bunch of holes before wearing out. thanks again for the responses...
 
Bligaderski said:
Shawn what speed did you run it and did you use any coolants or water? I ordered one yesterday..
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I generally run it at 390 or 510 RPMs. I will generally stop and spray it every 10-20 seconds with whatever I have handy to keep it cool. If you have a cheap press like me, be sure and check the top nut above your pulleys as it tends to loosen and it'll decrease the torque you have available. Also, I always drill 1" holes before profiling . . . much less stressful that way. :)

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