A couple of finishing and scale questions

[Chiro75]

A couple questions that have been eating at me:
1) How do you attach handle scales using epoxy to blades that have been fileworked? DO you simply use as little epoxy as possible to minimize the amount that fills into the filework or what? If you do get it in the file valleys, how do you clean it out?

2) When using superglue for the handle scale finish, what do you do to keep the glue from getting on the tang? Or do you just let it cover the tang, too, and finish as usual?

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[P.K.Hansen]

When I use superglue, I always have some paper or cloth that is soaked in acetone or something like that on my bench, ready to use in a hurry. I've left it on before, and then tried to buff it of later, but that can be pretty hard, it's easier to remove right after it has been applied.

 

[Corduroy]

On #1, I'd love to hear some good ideas.

I use only a tiny bit of epoxy or skip it entirely (since I usually use man-made handle materials, I'm not quite as concerned with sealing as if I used wood), and if any does get in the cracks I get it out when it's in a semi-hard state. Going after it fresh just makes a mess, but once it hardens, cleaning it out will make you think doing the filework in the first place was a quick and easy process

{Edit - just wanted to be clear, I use loads of epoxy normally, only use it sparingly if I have a fileworked tang/spacers}

-Drew

[This message has been edited by Corduroy (edited 12 October 1999).]

 

[Corduroy]

Oh, one more method for #1 is to thinly coat the edges of the tang and liner with vaseline before assembling with lots of epoxy. Once the epoxy is fairly hard, it is reasonably easy to pick each bit out of the filework, where it won't stick well. A thorough rinse-down with hot water then removes any remaining vaseline. This method may be more trouble than it is worth, though, very messy

-Drew

 

[L6steel]

For #1, I use my dremel with flex shaft and a conical bit to remove the epoxy from the grooves. Its a pain, but it works pretty good. Doesn't anyone else ever use Dap Weldwood Contact cement? I use is alot on full tang knives. Once you put the scales on, the only way to take them off is by driving a thin blade between them and the tang and pry them off. This stuff really sticks. You just have to be careful to put a real thin coat on each piece.Take care!! Michael

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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"

 

[mikeS]

In reply to#1, I find it easier to remove the excess epoxy after the handle is clamped up by wiping with rags and q-tips dipped in wd-40. A thin coat of epoxy on each side of tang and handle material, plus moderate clamping pressure should insure a tight bond. the epoxy also seals out moisture between the tang and handle material.