what kind of epoxy do you guys use?

S

swamp

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I have been using Locktite 8 minute
Epoxy, is there a better epoxy out there?
Also, where would I buy it?

Last question, how long do you clamp the handles to the tang? Mine says the epoxy is fully cured in
24 hours. Thanks!
 
I use midwest KM 15 min epoxy, and I let it dry for an 60-90 minutes before working with it depending on the size of the handle.
Also I don't clamp my handles anymore. I found I get a better bond that way. No gaps though.
 
I use system three, 2 part epoxy. I typically clamp for about 8-10 hrs. I also rarely wait the entire 24 hour cure time before I start working on them
 
I use the fast set Locktite epoxy very frequently, but never for knife handles. I like it for fixturing because it sets up fast, is never sticky after hardening and it has poor bond strength, so you can count on it to release cleanly when you're ready to pry your work off the fixture. I'll be using some of it tomorrow, I'll do a thread about fixturing with it.

I use Acraglas for knife scales.
 
Brownell's Acraglas for me too. Not the gel, the good stuff. Bought it from Dirt Cheap.
 
I use West Systems G/flex. I had to remove a set of G10 scales from a blade the other day, the bond strength is excellent if your surfaces are prepped right.
 
Looks like I messed up. I guess I will try acraglas. Will the lock-tite loosen up over time or not? I hope not.
 
Justin King said:
I use West Systems G/flex. I had to remove a set of G10 scales from a blade the other day, the bond strength is excellent if your surfaces are prepped right.
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I'm with Justin. West Systems G/Flex has not failed me yet. It was originally intended for marine applications and even when fully cured has the slightest amount of flex in it which is a good thing for knives considering they are sometimes dropped or banged on things. I use the slow cure and love it. I used to use Devcon 2 Ton but had a couple failures and have not used it since.
 
I am a newbie at this whole thing, but I use gorilla glue becuase of the results in glue wars and the fact that it was easily available. it does fine, and I don't foresee any handles falling off in the near future. In all reality, most epoxies are going to be just fine for normal use, and if it doesn't work, you could always use tape.
 
I have tested G-Flex and it is tough stuff! I could not get the bond to break even when frozen and pounded with sheer force with a 3# sledge. It is what I use for scales.

I use West System 105/207 for soaking cord wraps, it is also a great product.
 
alb1k said:
I use Loctite 324 Speedbonder. I use it for scales.
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I've been using epoxies, but Speedbonder 324 is some amazing stuff. I used it to bond a quarter to the pavement in my neighborhood. It stayed there for over 6 months. Some very determined kid worked hard for his 25 cents!

Mike L.
 
:thumbup: Thickened G-Flex for scales; doesn't run all over the place.
That stuff is unbelievable. A little pricey, but worth it.
 
On the rare occasion I put handles on a knife, I use the West Systems G-Flex. ;) :)
 
For all the g-flex users, are you using the thin version or the thickened one? (I see the one vote for thick - Troop)
 
I use the standard (thin) G/flex. I suspect that the thinner stuff is better for wetting out porous surfaces, which may give better bond strength with wood scales.
The "glue wars" thread made one thing clear-if you aren't prepping your surfaces with care, then you might as well use the cheapest glue you can get your hands on, and expect to encounter problems. The surfaces you are bonding have much more to do with the bond strength than the glue itself. I generally bead blast my tangs before mounting.
 
i use regular g-flex to attach scales...one cool thing about it is its also compatible with any of the west system fillers as well, so it is very versatile...i also used west system 105/206 to make my micarta/g-10...you can pick it up at any west marine
 
Does anyone use a neutralizer such as Phospho before gluing? An epoxy tech guy suggested that and it seems to be working for me.
Theory is that any moisture that might creep under won't start rust...haven't finished any really harsh tests on it though.
Andy G.
 
West system , I have used gorilla glue but you gotta watch for the bubbling. I also found west is easier to remove handles . Hit it with a heat gun and it comes off easy That's 300 degrees so unless the knife is used inside an oven l think it's good . Gotta look at the g-flex though.
 
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