How to keep light colored wood from discoloration during finishing

Robert Erickson

Robert Erickson

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Feb 2, 2014
Messages
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Hey guys, I'm pretty sure this topic has been covered here but a google search came up empty. I'm having trouble with light colored wood (ie maple and pacific yew) becoming discolored from the the SS pins as I finish sand the handle. Any tips to avoid this or to get rid of it if it happens? Thanks!
 
How are you shaping the wood? I get the rough shape on a sander then do most of the rest by hand sanding and filing. This keeps the heat down. Before going up to the next grit of sandpaper try cleaning the handle off with a rag to get the grit and metal shavings off.
 
rcetroy are you talking about heat "burning" the wood from heat buildup or metal dust from sanding the pins embedding in the wood? If its the latter I'm curious what the answer is because all I can think of is lightly hand sanding around the pins after the handle is profiled. Which sounds like a pain.
 
I get this problem a lot because of the style of knife I make; they all have 416 bolsters. I also see a lot of this when using contrasting liner colors (i.e. white G10 next to black G10). I don't have the perfect answer to this but, using stabilized wood helps. I also hit the knife frequently with compressed air. At high hand sanding grits like 1500-2500, going across the grain also helps. The main thing I have found though, is that when I go to the buffer, it really cleans the discoloring up. I will be interested to see if anyone else has some great tricks.

Bob
 
Heat burning the light colored wood - you're not using dull belts are you? That will burn/discolor wood faster than anything. Be sure to use a fresh sharp belt.

I have the problem of black dust on light wood when making the wife's knives - she was ebony for the front half, and a light colored wood on back half of handle. Shaping/sanding that requires care to keep black ebony dust from light colored wood.

Ken H>
 
I'm seeing this during hand sanding. So I think it's metal dust off the SS pins. I have noticed it when I get to the high grit sandpaper. It is subtle but noticeable. I've tried to clean it off with acetone and that doesn't work. Would sanding wet be a possible solution?
 
Bob going against the grain and the buffer are great suggestions. Both make sense as to why they would prevent or help remove some of the buildup.
 
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