Removing scales

WaltE99

WaltE99

Fickle Bastard Blades
Joined
Oct 5, 2015
Messages
179
I need to remove some canvas micarta scales from one blade and stabilized Whitetail deer antler from another. I am curious how you remove scales that don't work out from good blades? I assume some method using a heat source to break down the epoxy is needed. Would the heat generated by grinding the pins down almost to the tang be enough to loosen the glue? How do you know when the glue has been heated enough...do the scales just fall off?

Thanks in advance for all your help and by the way, I use the standard West Systems epoxy with the slow hardener if that makes a difference.

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I hope this doesn't break your heart. It seems you are ready to grind them off if necessary. You can do that anytime now. Yes just go slow and use a scraper or whatever to help. You will have our answers. Did you try the search?
Frank
 
A heat gun works well. You should be able carefully to drive the pins out. At that point the scales may just come off. Or at worst a bit more heat and then careful prying with a thin scraper. Don't crack the scales and you may be able to find another use for them.
 
Not sure about your epoxy, but I just did this and I use Bladebond Ultra and when I was about down to 1/16" the epoxy had softened enough to pop the rest off.
 
If you can drive the pins out I'd try popping the scales with a chisel before getting too sporty with the other means.
 
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