Folder Layout

[Jason G Howell]

While laid up, I have had a chance to learn a little more about Autocad. I've had it and played with it some, but not like I have in the last week or so. I swear, a person could (and does) spend a lifetime learning complex software like Autocad. With a little time, the average computer non-expert can learn enough to help laying out his knives. I can lay out a folder with all major points, pivot, stop pin, lock, tip... I can open the knife in autocad and check for stop pin clearance, tip lay in the knife, pivot position, thumbob clearance, blade back clearance behind bolsters, etc... This can save a lot of time and steel in the shop. What's more, you can change a little at a time and modify your model till you have a new one. Print out your knife parts and you have a pattern ready to go.

I am coming to realize technology can be the knifemakers' friend, it just takes a little time to learn some software.