I use calipers to get an apprx length marked out- then chuck pivot into a collet on the mill- put a carbide end mill in the vise and bring the pivot barrel down to size ( reverse lathe method)
Have had and used the HF bandsaw in a Swag table for almost 3 years now- works perfectly and probably the 2nd most used tool for me (after the 2x72)
Use MK Morse blades from Amazon
Took your advice today next day Amazon prime on some solid carbide bits--it blew through the hardened steel like butter!! Nothing else I had was even able to touch it but the carbide was unreal!!
Forgetting to drill holes in five knives before I send them out for heat treat and not realizing it until I get them back!!! Too distracted I guess?
Fortunately I was able to grind out a slot in the middle of the handle using the small wheel and a 36 grit belt. I won't be making that mistake again!
Think I gave this info to Opaul once- I use these for smaller blades- pretty nice for the price. I have been looking for a wooden wine box for kitchen knives- think that would just about be right.
Magnetic box
And I have been using these for larger blades and kitchen knives:
Cordura case
When I do a lanyard tube- I put a short length of silicone tubing (with the same OD as the lanyard's ID)--in the lanyard tube itself during glue up- nothing sticks to the silicone and when everything is dry and set- the tube pulls right out.
In the same token- I also use a sheet pan size...
Here is a scrap of AEB-L that hasn't been HT'd- just put a quick vine design on with nail polish- then hit it with just the mark voltage- came out same as if Heat Treated