I am no expert, but maybe I can add a tip or two.
Frank Niro is right on.
Only use new or properly sharpened drill bits.
Only use new belts.
I have mammoth tooth on a knife that I use...I put bolsters on both ends of it for protection.
Maybe not necessary, but I dovetail both bolsters for a little extra grab on the ends.
Only use small pins, I use 1/8". Don't peen them or you are asking for breakage.
As Frank said, superglue it first thing, and get a liner on each piece as soon as you can.
When grinding bevel to fit dovetail, keep liner side toward the metal angle guide.
I dip in water often.
Always be aware that this is brittle, and you'll be fine. Forget once and you will break it.
After installing on knife with bolsters on each end, it is actually not a fragile knife. I even dropped mine on concrete (accidently) when skinning a hog, and the brass bolsters took the hit. No problem.
Hope this helped.
Dan
ps-here is a photo of a couple I have made so you can see the bolsters