Laminate issues

[TLR]

So I had a knife that has been sitting waiting on me to make a sheath and finish up the edge. When I pulled it out I realized that the scale on one side had lifted away from the metal back to the first pin. Obviously there was an issue with my glue up as it should have held regardless. I was using G-flex epoxy by the way.

My primary question is why the scale curled to begin with. It was a laminate of black micarta and a blue g10 liner. When I first glued them together there was a significant 1/8" curl in the whole sheet. I figured I would remedy this by simply sanding down the sheet flat but I still don't understand why it curled or why it is continuing to curl. The g10 and micarta are both from big name suppliers. Thoughts?

 

[Frank Niro]

This does seem very strange. When you shaped the handle did you do it with a belt grinder and perhaps heat it quite a bit? Frank

 

[TLR]

It may have heated up some but of the 12 or so knives I've done to this point this is the first time I've had this issue. Again the biggest question in my mind was why it curled before I ever let it touch the knife.

My process has been to this point to first laminate the two pieces together before even cutting out the rough shape of the scales. It just seemed easier as it is less pieces to try and keep square and straight as I'm working with it. Only after the liner and main slab has cured do I begin cutting them out and then epoxy the laminate to the knife. The liner and micarta slab have held together just fine.

 

[tim37a]

Call Gugeon Bros, the maker of the epoxy. They may want you to send the part to them for analysis. I have been using the G/flex with no problems.
Tim