How To Stabilized wood question. Sorry if in wrong place, but new here.

[Bearwalker]

I am embarking on making my own stabilized wood. I have helped make it before but never got this detail figured out. I have a custom order needing toasted / burnt ash for handles. Obviously scales need to be all shaped and basically 'done' before toasting. I am thinking complete finish then toast before stabilizing, then mounting. Could they be mounted, finished, toasted then stabilized ? Yes, I mean attached to knife. This means stabilizing the complete knife.
Thank you and again sorry if in wrong place to ask

 

[catspa]

My guess is that it’d work, but would take extra vacuum time to fully saturate. Maybe make a test assembly first, then cut it open and check saturation.

Of course, it’d require a chamber big enough to fit the whole knife.

Parker

 

[killgar]

Welcome to Bladeforums.

For knifemaking questions visit the Knifemakers subforum. You can find it here- https://bladeforums.com/forums/shop-talk-bladesmith-questions-and-answers.741/

 

[Bearwalker]

Thanks. Was just hoping to avoid running a test piece by asking / hoping someone already had this figured out. Got 6, 4 1/2 " fixed blade with sheath to make for my grandsons' wedding. They are Groomsman gifts. I normally do hardwood or horn / bone. Hardwood already stabilized

Welcome to Bladeforums.

For knifemaking questions visit the Knifemakers subforum. You can find it here- https://bladeforums.com/forums/shop-talk-bladesmith-questions-and-answers.741/

I know I got to figure this site out. Thanks. I have been bladesmithing about 10 years and on my own for 7 years. Still learning every day and even surprising myself !

 

[Keith Nix]

I wouldn't stabilize finished/nearly finished scales. There's a good chance they'll crack or warp during the process. And I don't think the heating would be good for the epoxy holding the scales, but that's only opinion.
I tested some stabilized maple scales with Aqua Fortis and heat. The scales were about 90% finished and off the knife. After the heating phase, they took on a pretty serious warp that had to be dealt with before mounting. Proceed with caution...