I'm not totally helpless, honest...

t1mpani

t1mpani

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Jun 6, 2002
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BUT, here I am, asking yet another question on the same project I've been on with all the other questions. :o

The time has come to affix the new handles to the knives and one of them is inletted for a hidden tang, which will be a first for me. Now, here I was, all set with my Acraglas Gel kit last night and I thought I'd do a little searching on Shop Talk to see if I could find any last minute tips/tricks and lo and behold, I come across not one, but several, posts from different makers saying how Acraglas gel is great for full tang (slab handle) knives but not for hidden tangs, which are best done with traditional acraglas. What I couldn't find is any explanation as to why. Is it just a color thing? Does the gel expand as it cures? Does it suffer from claustrophobia?

I mean, I can GET the regular Acraglas but I'll have to order it and I was so excited by the prospect of getting these bloody things done and out of my life this weekend. :D

As always, I greatly appreciate yalls' help.
 
i think the difference is the gel is thicker and getting it into the inletted area of a handle is problematic as it it doesn't flow at all. the regular acraglas is more of liquid and will move into the inlet by gravity and and flow in filling a deep hole. i use the gel for the full tang/scale type knife and the regular for the inletted hidden tang style. acraglas is about the best adhesive there is IMHO. if you want additional strength Brownells also sells atomized powdered steel to mix with the regular type acraglas, its kinda like the same idea of using reinenforcing rod in concrete. also i use JB weld instead of soldering guards. it's stronger and takes heat quite well. its great stuff too.:thumbup:;)
 
Ahah, gotcha---well, this will actually be a mortis tang setup, two halves inletted and then joined, so I can probably work the gel into where I need it then. Here's hoping anyway. :D

Agree with JB Weld--been a fan for a long time and like to waterproof guard joints with it. It was my original thought for the handle but acraglass seemed to get the nod for being stronger.

Thanks much

Warren
 
Warren
you can get Acriglass at the local gun shop ..if you wanted to .i had to buy it there before it was a bit more expensive than buying the big honkin bottles but it is a quick way to get it if needed . good luck with the "Project"
 
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