First time making a knife WIP

Anyone have any tips for removing scales once they have been epoxied and pinned?

I let the epoxy set for 2 days since i figured it was cold it may take longer to cure. Then decided i wanted to sand them down a bit so the handle wasnt so thick. I used the belt sander to do so. While doing that the scales started to separate from the tang.

15682117428_a751f78bda.jpg
 
When you clamped the scales to the blade, did you make sure to provide even pressure across the entire length of the handle? Also, you may have been using a dull belt that overheated the handle, which in turn loosened the epoxy. Personally I'd grind the scales off and start over, I think that would be the best method. Also, make sure you are using a good quality epoxy.
 
Im using a good quality epoxy. The one suggested and mentioned earlier in this thread. T-88. But i could of overheated the handle.

I used a second clamp after taking the picture in the previous post, same as i did on the first knife i made handle. But the temp was warmer with that one and i had no issues.

The thing is, its only been around 30-40° in my basement the last couple days so i dont think it ever cured well. There is no heat down there. Im thinking i should get one of those reptile heat lamps and build a curing box to use from now on.

I got this advice in another thread

To get it off once the epoxy is cured:

Either:

A) Chisel it off

or

B)

1) pre-heat toaster oven to 300F
2) place blade in toaster oven for 10-15 minutes
3) knock out pins on a bench block with a hammer and punch- use gloves
4) clean up remains

I was able to just chisel it off.

15251277694_123dd355dc.jpg


Now time to start over on the scales. Sucks though that was some beautiful wood.
 
Hey bro - epoxy is pretty sensitive to temps. Low temp won't allow it to cure properly. Next time, abscond the kitchen oven, turn it to 110 degrees or so, and put the knife in there. Don't go much warmer, as that can cause other issues. Also, make sure you put it on a piece of tinfoil or something so you don't make a mess, or she'll kill you, and rightly so!

Wipe off as much excess as possible, clamp EVENLY, and you should be good to go.
 
Thanks for the tips Matthew!

The oven idea is great, it will help until i make up a curing box. How long do i leave it in there?
 
I use a slow cure epoxy, so it's in overnight, usually. Longer won't hurt, just keep the temp low. 100-115.
 
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