Folder scales.

trentu

trentu

Joined
Mar 2, 2006
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Just wondering if epoxy is enough to hold walnut scales on a folder? I received a knife without scales as a gift and made some walnut scales for it but I'm not sure if epoxy will be tough enough. Any tips? Thanks.
 
Good epoxy will work, I believe there are some better glues though. I like JB Weld myself. Another is Gorilla glue. Search for glue wars and read those for some actual tests
 
I like Devcon Plastic welder, it works great. Epoxy should hold up fine if you put a couple pins in too. You could use a couple small 0-80 screws, your local hardware store should have them, but the tap may be a little tougher to find.
Joe
 
That 0-80 tap maybe a little hard to use also. If you go that route make sure to go very gentle and dead straight.
 
trentu said:
Just wondering if epoxy is enough to hold walnut scales on a folder? I received a knife without scales as a gift and made some walnut scales for it but I'm not sure if epoxy will be tough enough. Any tips? Thanks.
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Epoxy should work nicely.

In the stores you see two common types, "High strength", and "5-minute", though the brand names vary.
Regardless of brand name, use the "High strength" epoxy rather than the "5-minute" type.
The "high Strength" is not only higher in strength, but is more resistant to moisture and chemicals. But you will have to clamp up the handle for about 8-16 hrs.

Score the bottom of the scales so the epoxy does not get all squeezed out during clamp-up. Scores don't have to be deep.
 
If I may add to Knarfeng's post , roughly sand the knife handle and inside of scales , I like 80 grit , just enough to scratch it up.

Be sure to thoroughly clean the inside of the scales and the knife handle before using your epoxy.

Denatured alcohol works great.
 
I have done wood scales for folders and given up. Even when they have turned out really good in a years time they have shrunk or cracked. Make sure the wood is really dry before you mount or it will pull up and leave a gap. Your finish will need to be a good seal.

I have also used a 1-72 screws which you can buy in a hobby store, they had a drill and tap as a package.
 
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