Peening Pin On Bolsters

[Diamond G Knives]

Im setting up to try bolsters on some of my knives.

I understand that I need to have the pin hole slightly larger than the pin.
My question is this. Do I just ream the outer edges of the hole or should I use a tapered reamer for the whole depth of the hole?

Also what size bit do you use for 1/8 and 3/16 pin stock?

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks and God Bless
Mike

 

[mike miller]

Mike I use 3/32 and 1/8 stock. 1/8 would be a number 30 drill bit. 3/32 I just use same size. I taper the hold about a 1/16 down below the surface but I also use a pin press to expand and mushroom the pin head. I leave 1/8 above the surface on either side for 3/32 stock. It will have a good size head above the surface that I smack a couple of times to flatter it even more.