Rookie attempt at a custom SAK (hopefully this will contain "Lessons Learned")

[detron]

OK,  thanks to all the beautiful Custom SAKs I have seen here, and thanks to buying a Custom SAK from GigaHz,  I have taken the plunge and hope to teach others not to make the same mistakes I do, as well as maybe build some confidence to those who are considering it.

I am just getting started, and it will most likely go slowly.

Knowledge Nugget #1

I wish I had a drill press



I have a mod in mind that will be a larger (# of layers) and since I wanted to not ruin a high dollar SAK right off of the bat, I chose to take apart my Serrated Spartan first (better a $15 SAK get ruined than a $50 SAK)




I am fairly sure I managed to save all six of the collars (5 for sure, gotta check the last one a little closer) 

Knowledge Nugget #2

next SAK I take apart, start with the middle pins first.
     I took apart a Spartan, and had pieces falling out (offset piece for small blade) and I was trying to be super careful so I know what goes where and in which    orientation.

So, I have gained a little more confidence and hope to continue on soon.

[Fattsgalore]

Yes!!! You finally did it! Told you, you could!
Um...What you making?   

I leave no words of wisdom, only a solemn head nod in acknowledgement for what you've undertaken. If you hit any speed bumps resort to the "Grail" or any of the other fine topics which us newbies have taken inspiration and courage from.

SAK Life!!!

[detron]

Um...What you making?   

SwissChamp, drop the woodsaw and the fish scaler (I like these tools, but not for this build)
add the CT Layer
add a second large and small blade layer, but using the fully serrated blade from a serrated spartan.  (not the corkscrew as back tool since this will not be at edge)

[Aloha]

 

Ok I will be following this thread closely.  Glad you are undertaking this before I try as you will give me even more confidence. 

[detron]

Ok I will be following this thread closely.  Glad you are undertaking this before I try as you will give me even more confidence.

I hope to, but I might struggle and scare you when you might be better at this. 

don't put too much faith in me, but "If I can do it,  so can you"

[PTRSAK]

A useful tip and one I still use (and forget to use sometimes) is to take plenty of reference photos.
Digital photos cost nothing but can save much head scratching when you go to reassemble something later.
If you have a video camera you can even record a video of the disassembly to jog your memory when you try to get that pile of parts to form a functional SAK again.

[magentus]

  and hats off to you Detron.

How did you drill out the pins without a drill press?

You are giving all us 'nearly' modders a push in the right direction.

[MadPlumbarian]

Hmm! well I'll be watching this post, good luck!

[sawman]

I hope you're able to pull it off detron, *fingers crossed*, and keep us posted along the way!

 

[detron]

and hats off to you Detron.

How did you drill out the pins without a drill press?

You are giving all us 'nearly' modders a push in the right direction.

just a hand drill, but it took a lot of time, and twice as much patience.  I am sure it will get quicker with practice

[detron]

A useful tip and one I still use (and forget to use sometimes) is to take plenty of reference photos.
Digital photos cost nothing but can save much head scratching when you go to reassemble something later.
If you have a video camera you can even record a video of the disassembly to jog your memory when you try to get that pile of parts to form a functional SAK again.

The other thing I plan on doing is to generate a 91mm spring ID chart as I go.  or try to anyway

[MadPlumbarian]

Well keep us up to date, I have a project of my own that I'd like to try some day, just need to get all the parts before I attempt it,, JR

[colt 1911]

Awesome, I am taking the plunge, where did you get the pin stock ?


Swiss Army knives .

[detron]

Awesome, I am taking the plunge, where did you get the pin stock ?


Swiss Army knives .

mine was a gift,  I do not know more sorry

[daverobson]

It may not be much of a help to the U.S. but I found a stockist in the U.K. for 2.5mm & 3mm brass pin stock.

2.5mm x 300mm (pack of four) £3.96 ($5.28)
3mm x 300mm (pack of three) £4.04 ($5.39)

http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/brass-rod-metric.html#aKS9864

Are these prices reasonable, average or extortionate?

[Syph007]

Regarding pin stock dont forget that if you start with a swiss champ and if youre building something thinner the pins from the champ will be plenty long to reuse.

[detron]

Regarding pin stock dont forget that if you start with a swiss champ and if youre building something thinner the pins from the champ will be plenty long to reuse.

that is a great point Syph007, and thanks for adding to the thread.

[n4vgm]

"How did you drill out the pins without a drill press?"

Very Carefully! I so anted a press when I thought about my first mod. As stated, a hand drill will work but your placement of the center punch becomes all the more critical.

[colt 1911]

It may not be much of a help to the U.S. but I found a stockist in the U.K. for 2.5mm & 3mm brass pin stock.

2.5mm x 300mm (pack of four) £3.96 ($5.28)
3mm x 300mm (pack of three) £4.04 ($5.39)

http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/brass-rod-metric.html#aKS9864

Are these prices reasonable, average or extortionate?

Thanks


Swiss Army knives .

[colt 1911]

Regarding pin stock dont forget that if you start with a swiss champ and if youre building something thinner the pins from the champ will be plenty long to reuse.

Great tip, thanks


Swiss Army knives .

[hiraethus]

Good work detron, keep us posted how you get on.

I bought my 2.2 and 2.5 mm brass rod from here (UK): http://www.originalmarquetry.co.uk/product_details_54.htm - cheap enough per metre but postage was really expensive. Best to buy loads in one go.

[Toolslinger]

Anyone know of sources for pin stock this side of the pond (US/Canada)?

I'll be reusing stock from a Champ when I do my first mod, but I'd like to get some stock to do more (and in case I mess up).

[Syph007]

Anyone know of sources for pin stock this side of the pond (US/Canada)?

I'll be reusing stock from a Champ when I do my first mod, but I'd like to get some stock to do more (and in case I mess up).

2.5 and 3.0 are available in north america, but noone makes 2.2mm. I had a forum member help me buy from Germany.

The 2.2 is used for the 2 inner pins on a normal plastic 91mm SAK.

[detron]

Knowledge Nugget #3

Leatherman Cap Crimpers can aid in pulling on a SAK collar without  deforming it.  the little center crimper will not let the collar pass through, and the walls keep it from moving, while holding in a circular loose grip

[Caranthanus]

Go Rookie Go! ... may the Force be with you ...

 

[Fattsgalore]

Those "collars" are called bushings. Brass bushings.

[detron]

Those "collars" are called bushings. Brass bushings.

thanks!  I appreciate any extra knowledge I can get.

[detron]

took the next step!

bought these 





this should help greatly.  total cost for both,  $69.00

[detron]

assembled, this drill press is larger than I expected.  I am actually happy about that



I forgot to buy some bolts and nults to attach the vise to the press, but as soon as I get that, I will start taking apart my next SAK.

[Syph007]

There you go! A drill press is still my most used tool by far.  Mine was 80 bucks 7 years ago and its still going strong with daily use.  Well I did burn out the switch on mine and wired in a light switch for a house, but other than that its fine. 

Being able to drill perpendicular holes makes a world of difference compared to trying a hand drill.   

I never use a vice being Im impatient but then I dont work completely safe half the time either.  I hold all the parts in my hand and drill away.  I do wear a glove on the danger hand though.