Threading Bolsters

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Jeffinn
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Threading Bolsters

Post by Jeffinn »

I decided to post my technique for this in case someone else wanted to give it a try. There’s probably a couple of different ways to do this, this is how I do it.
I start by clamping the knife handle with bolster into a blade vise to hold it steady. I cut the first groove parallel to the straight edge of the bolster using a jewelers saw. Once the initial groove is cut I use thin strips of duct tape to help keep everything parallel. The tape is just thick enough to allow me to use it as a guide for the thin jewelry saw blade.
59E62CDB-5E41-4A9E-B590-9824310FC905.jpeg
Once I have all of the grooves laid out and cut deep enough I start filing the grooves a bit wider and deeper. I usually start with some triangular files and then possibly use a few other files depending on what I want the groove to look like;
3AE940D5-D826-4701-8871-84F7E19504BF.jpeg
Here’s the bolster with all of the grooves roughly cut in (they are all parallel even though the photo makes them look skewed);
D54734F3-033B-413C-A758-4C3524389AD2.jpeg
I like to clean up the grooves to remove some of the roughness created by using files. I use an old steel knife liner wrapped with 220, then 400 and finally 600 grit papers to clean the grooves;
DD4C9D41-A9E0-4169-9E4B-B6BFCAE1F7A9.jpeg
BE65F721-1019-42AD-BD0B-3B22FA652753.jpeg
I do a quick preliminary bolster cleanup and then give them a quick trip through the polishing wheel.
Here’s a before and after photo of the bolsters;
3D6AD6E0-8641-4306-9E58-3E3784701204.jpeg
Hope this was helpful!
Jeff
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herbva
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by herbva »

Great tutorial and thanks for posting this Jeff! I've been wondering for quite some time how you do such a good job at making slotted bolsters. Now I have to find a jeweler's saw. Best regards and happy holidays! Herb ::tu:: ::tu::
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by doglegg »

Jeff, you could have been a surgeon. What delicate fine work. Thanks for sharing. ::tu::
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Meridian_Mike
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Excellent Tutorial Jeff!
I like how you get the lines straight. I am going to try that next time I do a bolster.
I have been just going by "eyeball" to get the lines straight.
AND... I was using a small tri file free hand to get started.

I LIKE your method a lot better than mine....

2 thumbs up my friend!
::tu:: ::tu::
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1967redrider
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by 1967redrider »

Great work, it turned out perfectly! Thanks for sharing your "tricks of the trade" with us. ::handshake::
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OLDE CUTLER
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by OLDE CUTLER »

Thanks for the instruction Jeff. I will have to try your method on my next rebuild that includes new bolsters. It really looks great.
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Doc B
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by Doc B »

::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu::
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jerryd6818
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by jerryd6818 »

I love threaded bolsters. Good job.
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FRJ
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by FRJ »

That looks like first rate work, Jeff. Good job.

I wish someone would have had those skills when they attempted this "decoration". ::mdm::
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orvet
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by orvet »

Great tutorial Jeff! ::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu::
I had not thought of using my blade vise like you use it to help you get straight lines. Nice job of thinking outside the box! ::clapping::
It's a huge advantage having this forum to share ideas and methods with one another. Keep up the good work. ::nod::
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Tony_Wood
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by Tony_Wood »

Excellent work and tutorial.
Thanks for posting.
Now I might have to try this.
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Colonel26
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by Colonel26 »

Most excellent Jeff! You are a talented cutler indeed. ::tu::
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Re: Threading Bolsters

Post by Mike1234 »

Impressive work. Thanks for sharing it.
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