Epoxy for a handle?

Anyone ever tried to use solidified epoxy for a handle? Maybe plug up the bottom of a toilet paper tube and fill it with epoxy, then center a knife tang in it while it is drying. Once it was dry you could peel the paper off, or grind it off, shape it, then buff it. Would this work? Inquiring minds want to know.

Chuck
 
I don't think it would work out too well with your normal hardware store variety of epoxy. I'm not sure that a lump that big would cure very well ( I could be wrong though). Alot of epoxy stays kind of gummy even once its hardened. And even if it did harden clear through and was relatively strong, it wouldn't hold up to heat or cold without getting soft or brittle.
Epoxy is used in a similar fashion for G10. The glass fibers woven into it make a huge difference in strength and wear resistance though.And its always put into a press while its curing which not only squeezes out any air thats in the mix, but makes it a lot more dense and generates some heat to help it cure.

------------------
I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer... but I've got the sharpest knife in the room.
 
I've done something similar to what George has said. I found that epoxy on its own didn't have the sort of structural strength I needed, so I incorporated several sheets of cotton cloth. The repair is still holding up fine. I think this is similar to what is done to make linen composite handle material. You might want to try it out.
 
Sorry, won't work
frown.gif
. Even if the epoxy did kick off right, it would not stand up to changes in temp. Also epoxy is brittle. Even the best aircraft grade epoxy from ATR (aprox $7,000 for 10 gallons) will shatter if dropped on a hard surface. Also you can not do that type of grinding to epoxy, once it heats up it becomes a messy goo. ATR can be ground, but I can,t afford $700 a gallon.

You might try it with polyester casting resin, or alumilite.

------------------
R.W.Clark

Proud Member : California Knifemakers Association



[This message has been edited by R.W.Clark (edited 05-28-2001).]
 
It will work with the right filler but not as well as a casting plastic. Use Aluminum powder (used to be able to get it at paint stores but you will have to order it) or if you can find some and wear good safety equipment, chopped asbestos. I'm not gonna even bother giving a disclaimer on that one. Professionel boatbuilders have used asbestos filled epoxy for years. They just won't admit it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top