handle filework ?

[jonvalblades]

how do you guys do the file work on your through tang handles?

Wouldnt the epoxy clog up the spaces?? how do you clean it off
I would like to put round file work on the spine of the tang
Thanks
jonathan

 

[ddavelarsen]

Jonathan, I simply use a coloring agent in the epoxy and let if fill the spaces. You can use Textor's model paint, or the supply houses sell colorants that work well. I use the dry pigment from K&G. Hope this helps,

 

[Jason Magruder]

When the epoxy is not hard yet but kinda rubbery pick it out with a sharpened popsicle stick. Use a little acetone on a paper towel to get any residue. Or you could always not use any epoxy

 

[J. Neilson]

I just fill the tang file work with epoxy like Dave.

 

[jonvalblades]

thanks ill try the letting it fill up metod because that seems easier.
and if i mess up on that then on my next knife ill do the pick out way

ps. i just got a new cobalt drill bit and realized what a chore drilling holes used to be.

 

[fetz]

hey, speaking of filework, how do you guys do all that fancy filework, is it all
done with just files or do you use a dremel type tool? whats the secret??

 

[Hesparus]

I use files. A lot of people I've talked to use a high speed cutting tool to do it, but I immagine that would make it impossible to do some of the designs I use.

- Chris

 

[Matt Shade]

I use a combination of needle files and a dremel. Most of the dremel work is done with a thin cutting disc, and the little flexible sanding discs. Sometimes a hacksaw blade, using the end where there's no set to the teeth, but thats been less and less lately.

 

[ddavelarsen]

You'll find a lot of tutorials at Dan Gray's Links Page.

I use a combination of many small files, diamond bits on the dremel, etc. What you use depends on the pattern you're making. Check out the links!

 

[D.A. Guertin]

I use the 'fill it' method as well. Devcon makes both black and white epoxy that work well. I think the black is supposed to be for steel; the white I don't remember.

Darryl

 

[Reg ELLERY]

I use the tint with colour and fill in method. The empty pattern look good too but may clog up with guts and blood if your messy, rust if it is not stainless. Only if you do not maintain it. You can keep anything looking good.

but my tip is if you are going to tint try the dye in a small sample first. I got caught using oil artist paint. It made the epoxy stay rubbery instead of hard.

Too bad I had put the handle on. Next time I changed dye and tested it first.

Bruce evans alsi has a brilliant tutorial on vine and arrow head file work. I saw it and was able to follow it very easy and well illustrated. I just use a $6 set of 10 small needle files.