Finish Question?

[ALW]

How do you keep from getting a visible line on a full tang knife along the spine where the scales end and the blade starts?  If that makes sense.  I have been using CA glue lately and get a visible line, that often times wants to chip up a bit, on the spine at this location.  It's not a real big deal to me since I'm not a custom knife maker but I'd like them to look a little better since I give some of them away.  Thanks.

Aaron

[DANA HOLMAN]

Aaron
Are you using epoxy to put you handles on? if so you should be clamping them and push out the extra epoxy,and clean the blade with acetone. if you are just using c.a. for a finsh then you need to tape the blade off very good, then use acetone to remove anything else
hope i answered you question
dana

[madness522]

also make sure your scales are dead flat.  dry fit them with the pins using big spring clamps to get an idea of how they are going to look after its too late to do anything about it (attached).

[OconeeDan]

I guess I do things differently.  I make sure the scales are dead flat as madness says.  Then glue one side (oversize) to tang with epoxy as Dana says.  After dry, drill pin holes (tang should have been predrilled).  Then glue up slab on the other side (oversize) with epoxy.  When set, you can finish drilling holes all the way through.  Glue in pins.  Then sand everything down making the slabs perfectly flush with tang and the pins will be smooth to the touch.
When you do this, only the front of the scales have to be finished and polished, cause it's darn near impossible to do after glue up.
Dan

[ALW]

Thanks guys.  But I may not have stated my problem correctly.  I drill and glue the scales on with epoxy.  I finish sanding and smoothing the front of the scales first because I know how difficult it is after the scales are on.  I oversize my scales and rasp/sand to the final shape I want.  The expoxy is sanded away along the metal of the handle when I do this.  Then I stain or do whatever coloring I want.  My problem is with the final finish on the scales.  Like I've said I've been using CA glue recently.  I apply with my finger, sand, apply more, and so on until I'm finished.  When I'm done I always get a visible line on the spine right at the end of the scales where the finish ends on the metal.  Where the CA is on the spine in the handle but not on the spine of the blade protion.  I'll try and post a photo if I can.  I try sanding to blend it in but it often chips up a bit.  

Like I said it's not a real problem, more cosmetic.  But I'd like to figure out how to make it look better.  Thanks again.

Aaron

[madness522]

That clears it up. I thought your line was coming from attaching the scales. One thing I have tried and worked is to use a piece of brass to remove the line.  The brass won't scratch the steel if you don't bear down too hard and should clean up that line.

Have you tried pre-finishing the front?  All you would have to do after attaching the scales is blend with the rest of the finish.

[Lin Rhea]

I dont do many full tang handles, so take this for what it's worth.

My first response would be to seal the inside of the scales after you flatten them, let it dry, then lighty reflatten to knock down any bubbles or lumps, and then glue the scales on the blade tang.

I believe there may be moisture creeping in from behind, manifesting itself around the porous edges. This will allow the wood to swell a little, but it may be enough to pop the finish off. Lin

[OconeeDan]

It sounds as if your problem is that when sanding the handle down, the wood is softer than the steel, therefore you round the edge of the scales.  
Maybe I am wrong?
Anyway, if you are sanding by hand, use a small block of wood as a sanding block, it helps to keep the transition from wood to metal smooth.  Ditto for around exposed pins, so you can't feel a bump where the pins are.
Dan

[tippit]

Are you talking about the glue line between the wood scale and the metal tang?  That line will not take finish and can vary in thickness as to any gaps between the the wood & metal.  The way I'm reading this...you are adding more epoxy to fill this glue line in with your finger?...Doc

[ALW]

Thanks for all the comments guys.  I've been away from the computer for a few days.  I'll try and get a photo soon to show you what I mean.  Maybe I'm applying the finish incorrectly.  I use the CA glue and smear it all over the scales.  This includes the metal along the spine and the bottom part of the handle where your fingers go.  I do several coats and sand between coats.  The build-up of the glue finish leaves a little bump on the back of the knife, on the spine, right were the scales end and the blade portion starts.  I know I'm not describing it well and may not be using the correct terms.  A photo will be better and I'll try and get one soon.  Thanks for the advice though.

Aaron

[DANA HOLMAN]

Aaron
I understand what you are walking about now, i had to redo 2 knives, and that is way i do not use C.A. anymore, i had tried to tape the spine off and still had this problem. the c.a. glue IMO will not stick to the metal, it leaves a bump like you said where it's starts. if you really want to use this, then i would try to tape it off or use a Q-tip to clean it off. i started useing Tru-oil on all my knives
good luck
dana

[ALW]

Thanks Dana.  That's what I'm talking about.  It's not a problem with a hidden tang knife but with a full tang I just can't seem to get it figured out.  Like I said, it's not a problem with a knife for myself but I try and make the ones I give away look as good as possible.  Still so much to learn, even with the little things.  Thanks.

Aaron