Dealing with "Pin Cracks"

[AFAustin]

I hope you gents can advise me on this. In the case of bone scales with some cracks radiating out from the rear pins, what is the best course of action: Do nothing (as long as the scales remain intact)? Try to work a little expoxy into the cracks and then sand off the residue? Or....?

Thanks for any advice.

Andrew

 

[fast14riot]

Stabilize the cracks with thin CA glue. The scales may need a soak of neatsfoot oil.


-Xander

 

[AFAustin]

Thanks, Xander. I see that CA makes a very thin glue---I guess that could get into the hairline cracks?

Andrew

 

[fast14riot]

Yes, some CyanoAcrylate glues are very thin, like water and are very good at wicking through capillary action. Personally, I use Loctite Professional Liquid for most my stuff, including CA finishing wood scales. It can be found at Target, hardware stores and such, its like $6 for an ounce bottle or so.


-Xander

 

[phillipsted]

I hope you gents can advise me on this. In the case of bone scales with some cracks radiating out from the rear pins, what is the best course of action: Do nothing (as long as the scales remain intact)? Try to work a little expoxy into the cracks and then sand off the residue? Or....?

Andrew - I concur with the guys on a thin CA. It will wick down into seams and seal them up.

I always use a slightly oversize bore for the pins when using bone, horn, and fossils - they just can't handle the compression of a tight friction fit with pins. Normally, I bore to size and then ream with an oversize bit.

Good luck!
TedP

 

[AFAustin]

Thanks, Ted. Sounds like thin CA is the ticket.

Andrew