no grime on my handle?

W

willy m

Joined
Nov 27, 2007
Messages
255
hello all! im having some trouble when im finish sanding a handle with a light colored wood. when i do the area near where the blade is snadwiched between the the 2 handle scales i end up with a dirty area.after its done i scrub it with soappy water but i cant seem to get it all off. i know most of the dirt must be metal "powder" but i think mabey some might be from the sand paper. what are some ways i might get it a bit cleaner? thanks so much!willy
 
Try and do all of your sanding prior to affixing the handle scales. Also, if you do have to do any touch ups, try painter's tape on the front edge of the scales to protect them.

--nathan
 
Always preshape, and presand the front of the slabs before attaching. It saves a lot of headaches. Pin, or whatever, your slabs together, and preshape, and sand as a single unit at the front. Then they are perfectly matched, and only need the final finish applied to that area. If they are other than wood, go ahead and buff them also.
 
i do try to do as much of pre shaping as i can. but no matter how much i can do there is always some to do after epoxy. that is the time i have problems with.
 
Don't know if it will help, but I use acetone immediately after I affix the handle scales and have them clamped in place. Use acetone to clean up the epoxy from the front edge of the scales and the steel to leave clean lines and reduce cleanup with sandpaper.

But it sounds like your trouble is with final shaping/cleanup of the scales themselves. FWIW, I've had similar troubles with canvas colored micartas. Try using a ladies' emory board (sp? you know...for nails and such) on the front edges of the scales. It should leave a cleaner dust. Also, tape the blade to prevent scratches there.

--nathan
 
It could be from your sand paper if you are using sc ie. wet or dry paper. Try doing your final sanding with a garnet paper or something similar as long as it is not dark colored.
 
Yep, black paper leaves black residue dust. I switched to Rhyno paper. its red but doesnt leave red dust.
 
i think mabey the different paper would be a big help. also i will have to try the acetone and emery boards. im alyways on the lookout for a new "tool" or process for my "aresnal" of tips and tricks! thanks. one more thing ive been here awhile and still cant figure out what FWIW means? computers should should have an abbreviation legend or glossary or something cause i just dont understand some of them! thanks alot,willy
 
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