Countryboy39067 Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Hey guys. I'm planning on doing some cable knives soon and was wondering what you fellas use to keep the bundles together. I've been told to use iron wire but I can't find any. Substitutes? I would mig them together but I don't want to introduce any extra foreign materials if I can help it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Rebar tie wire is a nice thick soft iron wire available for not too much at big box stores everywhere in smallish packaged (3# or so for about $10) Typically not galvanized or coated. Mechanics wire is thinner, but sometimes galvanized. It is priced about the same. Stainless steel locking wire is rather expensive but can work too. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Most professional knifemakers I know weld the ends of the bundle together and leave enough extra that they just cut the "contaminated" ends off. You will probably want to weld a handle on as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakedanvil - Grant Sarver Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Seems like the wire would "contaminate" or introduce more foreign material for a longer distance of the billet than welding the end. I like to cut wire rope with a cutting torch, but I never hit the oxy, just melt through it which leaves the ends welded together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thecelticforge Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 I tried taking the core out and inserting a piece of 1/4 round. That was years ago and it was a big fat waste of metal Now, I just do the ends first, twist, and weld some more. Now I just need buyers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Countryboy39067 Posted July 21, 2010 Author Share Posted July 21, 2010 I'll check Lowes the next time I'm drooling over tools there. Thanks for the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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