mosaic pins

[Omega]

im making a kitchen knife and id like to use mosaic pins do these hold the scales on or is the epoxy all that hold them on? also if thats the case will epoxy hold up in the wash?


thanks bill

[SKIVIE]

Bill, Heres how I do it:

First I drill the holes in the tang for the pins. Epoxy on one side of scales, let dry. Drill though your already drilled holes and through that first side of scales. Now epoxy second side on and once dry drill though holes to drill out second side. Cut your pins to the thickness of the handle and scuff up your pins so that the epoxy has something to grip to. Roll your pins in Epoxy then put them in place, Let dry then start forming your handle.

Your Pins will be a great support in holding your scales on beyond just epoxying the scales to the tang. If your using 1/4" pins use a #F bit to do your drilling. That will make a nice snug fit with no gaps.

Hope that helps.

Shane

[Chris Daigle]

As always, Shane has got it down! About the only difference between what he does and my technique is I use a reamer after drilling the holes as opposed to using the F bit. Many ways to skin a cat.

The pins help with shear strength on the handles. The epoxy aids in keeping moisture out. Both help make a good strong fit. But I would strongly caution against putting a custom knife in the dishwasher. That will kill it slowly.

Also, just a personal peeve of mine, but if more than one mosaic is used, make sure to rotate them so that they are positioned the same. That little detail is worth the effort. I use a pair of needle nose pliers once they are tapped in.

Chris

[Omega]

thanks guys what kind of exoxy do you use. i wasnt really taking aobut the dishwasher just washing it in general, if the epoxy would hold up in the long run




bill

[Chris Daigle]

The epoxy should hold up in the long run, yes. Especially considering that the scale/tang connection is as flat as you can get it without any gaps.

I have several kinds of epoxy on hand, but one of my favorites is Devcon's epoxy gell. It's thicker than most (almost peanut butter consitency) and better water resistance than the rest of the Devcon line I think. It dries to a cream color, so your fit has to be tight as to show no seam. I've also colored it with colorant to match liners.

Chris

[Omega]

thanks guys



bill

[SKIVIE]

Yes, Devcon. Thats my choice. I also agree with Chris......Wash by hand. NO DISHWASHER. I think everyone will agree with that.

Shane

[Omega]

ok stupid question....whats a f bit and where do i get one. also could i just use a 1/4 bit?


bill

[Chris Daigle]

Not a stupid question at all. A letter F drill bit is just a hair larger than 1/4" (5/16 I think). Just do a Google search. Many people carry them.

If using a 1/4" bit, you will run into problems getting your pins through. And you can't take as much material off the sides of the mosaic pins due to their thin walls.

Step up to the letter F, or ream out the hole.

Chris