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Bubba here would be grateful for tips and warnings from experienced folk.
What do people use to countersink the flat rivet heads?



Thanks.

Just use a drill bit the same diameter as the rivet heads to countersink the holes. Be very careful setting the rivets, it's pretty easy to split the handle material (btdt). Might be worth it to use some scrap material and do a trial run. I've had to grind down the length of the rivets to get a proper fit. Once you have it all assembled you can sand the rivet heads flush with the handle scales.

Splitting and rivet length--thanks, j elky.I think I need to mock this up before gluing.

My little drill press gives more control of depth for rivet heads.Some bits start out the
size of your existing holes before it graduates to rivet head size. These are ideal for me.
They have bits built specifically for your purpose. Jantz Knife Supply has them.

I can get to a drill press. I tried pricing flat-bottomed counter-sink bits on ebay and for that size they were $30+. Was hoping there was a work around. I'll check out Jantz. Thanks.

Since everybody and their daughter’s doing it, figured I’d better get going. Finally got this done. Original rivets were too bent up and couldn't find any the same size, went with some smaller ones.



Meanwhile, ClarkM’s done another half dozen.

If you’re reading this, Clark, my hat’s off. You sure stay busy. (Didn't bevel the front of the handle.)

I'm read'n, I'm read'n!

Ya done good.

You can get a drill press from harbor freight thats good enough for pin holes . I like brass small corby bolts I think they're 3/16 head ,for a cleaver . Jantz has them,and the bit you'll need too

Corby's and Loveless Bolt's are by fair my favorite! Pins are ok for toys. I don't mind pins if makers are using West Systems Epoxy. But most don't because it's cheaper to skimp on the epoxy. It's the little things that separate the good from the great.