How difficult is it to...

Kumdo · May 15, 2001

How difficult is it to work down a mosaic pin, when finishing a handle? I will be working with hand tools only. I seem to remember someone posting here about how it's difficult to get pins flush with the wood or micarta when working with a sanding block. About the only power tools at my disposal are a dremmel and a little mouse sander (don't laugh!). Any suggestions to help me out?

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John Gonzalez
Exclusive Dealer
Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works

[This message has been edited by Kumdo (edited 05-15-2001).]

Kalindras · May 15, 2001

Well, in my experience, a mosaic pin works down just like a normal nickel pin will. Of course, it will be harder than the surrounding material, so if you're using hand tools be careful not to put too much attention on that particular area, or you'll wind up with a divot in the scale around the pin. It may behoove you to work the pin down almost flush with the hand tools, and then finish it with your mouse sander (and make sure you change the mice out frequently--they get really tired quickly

)

Otherwise, continue on as normal. If anyone else has had problems working mosaic pins, I'd be interested to hear the specifics, so I can be forewarned when I eventually come up against the same issues...

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Kalindras,
Washroom Attendant to the Nazgul
and
Holder of the Iron Key to the Men's Room of Mordor...

Kumdo · May 15, 2001

Thanks Kalindras. Although, I did ask for some restraint on the whole mouse sander thing!

I've never worked with any kind of pins in handles, so I guess I'm not sure what to expect. I figure I'll start with files (after the pins are cut as close to the right size and glued in), then move to varying grits of snadpaper. Sound right? I feel pretty dumb about it all, so any info is appreciated!

BTW, nice signature line. I'm thinking of changing mine to:

Kumdo
Arm Wrestling Champion of the Shire

or maybe...

High Lumberjack of Entwood

ah never mind. Coffee hasn't kicked in yet.

Bruce Bump · May 15, 2001

I tried something different with mosaic pins on my last one. I used temperary pins that were very short (below surface) and finished sanding the handle. then removed them and cut the mosaic pins a little long and rounded and polished the ends before installing them. Be sure to groove them for epoxy before sliding them in place. I think they look cool. Bruce B

Possum · May 15, 2001

Howdy There.....!
Just thought that I would throw my two cents into the mix. How I work silver , brass or mosaic pin is the same if you are using wood or any other "soft" handle materials. Work the handle slabs down to almost finished shape, grind down the pins to a point where they are a small way below the slabs. then finish the slab s down to the pins using the finishing process of finer grit and I think that you will have good results. Just take your time. Good Luck and more need info please contact me throught e-mail.
Later "Possum"

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Thomas Clegg

RHINOKNIVES · May 15, 2001

sand agaist a hard surface so the pins will be worked evenly. if you just use your hand the soft material will sand faster than the pins, leaving you with bumps.

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Laurence Segal www.RHINOKNIVES.com

Kumdo · May 16, 2001

Lots of smart advice! Possum, that makes great sense. I'm gonna do that, combined with the other good advice (using a sanding block, possibly temporary pins, etc.), I'm in good shape. I hope! I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks all...

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John Gonzalez
Exclusive Dealer
Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works

Bruce Evans · May 16, 2001

Just flatten the pin down flush to the scales with a file then hand sand the whole handle and finish as normal,I have done this allot when my handle is all ready to close to finished size...
Just my 2 cents worth,
Bruce

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Bruce Evans Handcrafted Knives
The soul of the Knife begins in the Fire!!!!!
Member of,AKTI#A000223 and The American Bladesmith Society