Epoxy turns to rubber cement.

R

Rosebudvt

Joined
Nov 23, 2012
Messages
2
As a sideline I have been building 6"&10" chef knives. I have had to rehandle two of them when the handles Sepparated from the blade. After inspection the epoxy was rubbery and the adhesive power of a piece of paper. Instructions were made clear that they were not to be put in a dishwasher.

Epoxy used: 2 part 5 minute epoxy, Lok-Tite and Gorilla Glue
Scales: stabilized wood (redwood lace, maple burl)
Pins: mosaic straight pins
Cure time: 12 hours minimum
Surface prep: scuffed both with 60 grit paper, cleaned with alcohol.

I have kept the Lok-Tite epoxy system(when gone switching to West or System 3) and sealed with "butcher block" sealer. I plan to use short grip screws(thread locked) and cover them with mosaic pins.

I am very open to suggestions, as these knives are going to proffessional chefs.
 
Kitchens can be hot, humid and wet environments even without going through a dish machine. I stick to marine grade epoxy. My personal favorite it gflex by west. All my western handles are attached with corby rivets just in case. I have never had any of mine separate, and have never heard of any I have made for others separating. I would ditch the multiple brand epoxy system and go straight with the longer set time waterproof epoxy. If it does not specifically say water proof, it isnt. Toss is a bit of epoxy when installing your screws just in case. Gflex is expensive, but substiantially less than having to rehandle.
 
Kalaeb, thanks. I had been thinking I should use marine grade, but money has been an issue. Have you tried West Systems Six10? It's said to be waterproof, gap filling and self mixing. The only thing that concerns me is that it is "thickened", sounds like it could increase my seam line more than I'd like.

Thanks again, Dave
 
Personally I don't like self mixing applications or tubes. I like to be able to control the amout of hardener I put in. The g flex is so worth it, even monetarily, since you will never have to rehandle another one of your blades due to adhesive failure.

System 3 t-88 is another epoxy you might want to check out, a few guys on KKF use it with great success.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top