Uh oh....

[stevekolt]

Noticed a gap between the steel and the scale from when I epoxied the scales on the blade. I guess I needed to have a few more clamps in place. Any idea on how to remedy this now that the epoxy has set? Thanks in advance for any guidance...

 

[i4Marc]

Pictures?


What is the handle material? Where is the gap? How big/long/deep is the gap? If it is a minor gap, you can add pigment to some epoxy to match the handle color and fill the gap. If it is a deeper/larger gap you can fill the gap with fresh epoxy and clamp until cured.

 

[stevekolt]

Thanks for the reply i4Marc. I think i'm going to try to remove them, clean 'em up, and re-epoxy.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The solution isn't more clamping. It is making sure the parts fit together perfect before assembly. All that should be used for handle assembly is a few spring clamps.
Excess clamping pressure can actually create the gaps, not cure them.

 

[The Gopher]

Stacy is right, epoxy doesn't like to be starved. Make sure the parts are flat, then spring clamps are all you want.

 

[stevekolt]

Thanks all, will recheck fit...