Scale installation/epoxy clean up

G

Guy Thomas

Joined
Feb 1, 2000
Messages
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I'm getting ready to install some wood scales on a small kitchen knife. There will be no bolsters, just the scales. I have finish sanded the forward part of the scales so that I don't mar the finish on the blade by trying to do that after the glue up.
What do I do after the glue up to get the epoxy off of the front of the scales and will this affect how the finish (Watco danish oil) soaks into the wood. Should I perhaps put the danish oil on just the front of the scales prior to glue up? Thanks for the help! -Guy Thomas
 
I'm sure there are as many ways to do this as there are knifemakers. I finish the front of the scales before mounting them. Then while the epoxy has had a little time to set up but is still tacky, I clean off what has oozed out the front with a paper towel and rubbing alcohol. If the fit is tight, the alcohol will not erode the bond much if at all, yet it cleans off the epoxy very easily.

Since this is a kitchen knife, that end grain on the wood is the most critical to get well sealed. You might want to use finishing epoxy or polyurethane to seal it, then sand and polish.

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
 
I use adhesive tape to cover the front part of the scales and the ricasso of the blade.
 
OOOPS

Mr. Ralph brings up a point I had never thought of. I always use acetone on my wood handles. I haven't had any trouble- never the less-- I belive I will use something else on my wood handles. Thanks

As far as watco oil hurting the blade--
I've tried masking the blade off so I don't get any oil on it but that just gives the oil a place to hide and dry. I still mask the blade to protect the finish but leave it back from the scales a bit so I can wipe it off the blade at the joint before it drys. I slop it on liberal when I oil the handle and I have never had a problem with the blade. I do get the oil out of the corner of the blade and scale before the oil hardens. When I buff the scale at that point it cleans the blade too.

John

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http://www.toptexknives.com/yeackley.htm My contribution to the world of knife fanatics.

http://www.sixgunner.com/blumagnum/default.htm
 
Great advice all! I think I'll finish the fronts ahead of time with the Watco and top it with a clear poly coat to seal it well. Clean up with rubbing alcohol appeals to me since it's not as hardcore as the acetone. I think I'll try other methods on future knives and see how they work as well!-Guy Thomas
 
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