Working with Bone. How?

[Scott Free]

I recently turned a small dropped point blade into an even smaller wharnecliff. I then used epoxy to attach bone scales. For reasons that are unimportant to all this, I was not able to use pins but had to rely on epoxy alone. It is a small knife with the scales measuring about 3.5" x .75" by .125." So then I decide that I want to darken the scales with a propane torch. I do. The epoxy softens, the scales warp toward the flame. I remove them and they eventually return to flat. I've learned a lesson. I then reattached the scales with (Devcon) epoxy, waited twice as long as recommended, and then headed for the grinder to smooth things up. I ended up heating the steal enough to soften the epoxy and to warp the scales again. Another lessoned learned in how-not-to-do-ithings. When the scales returned to flat, I epoxied them again and so far, all is well.

I am about to try this again, and this time I will be able to pin the scales and will be using brass to do it. I will burn the scales before attatching. I will still have to shape the scales a bit, and clean up the tang and scales. I will also be heating those brass pins during the grinding process. Do I have to do all the finishing work with handtools to avoid the heat? Or am I missing something?

Scott

 

[Gossman Knives]

Using epoxy alone is not enough. Pinning insures a strong fit. The epoxy is more of a sealant. You need to work at the slowest speeds when finishing on power equipment. Just don't let your work area heat up. Stop often to let it cool. I use a propane torch on the lowest flame possible to burn or darken bone. Keep the flame moving and don't hold it in one spot to long. Take your time and work slow and it'll work out. Good luck.
Scott

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Make sure your bone is COMPLETELY dry before working it.Green bone can warp bad.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Make sure your bone is COMPLETELY dry before working it.Green bone can warp bad.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Something is goinmg on here?

 

[Anthony Chaney]

Ah say, Ah say boy, ya posted twice. Listen when I talk to you.

 

[Bruce Evans]

Do all coloring of the bone before you attach it to a handle...always pin scales on,glue alone will not keep scales on a knife handle at all,never,no way....grind with sharp belts and lite pressure to avoid over heating,if you are heating the bone enough to soften the epoxy you are over heating everything way to much,and that is not good for the knife at all.

just my 2 cents..
Bruce