Bolster attachment

[tomsm44]

What is the best way to attach bolsters on a full tang knife to drill holes and pin?  

I've heard of people using different types of glue as well as soldering.  I've only done a couple of knives with bolsters and haven't had much with super glue.  Having trouble with it coming loose while drilling the holes.

I saw a post on here where JB Weld was used to attach a gaurd on a hidden tang knife.  How would this work for bolsters?

[Lin Rhea]

I use JB Weld to hold a guard on a hidden tang blade, but the guard will be mechanically bound when the handle is on. Point being? Never rely totally on glue or epoxy. Always pin or otherwise mechanically fasten.

When using super glue to hold pieces for drilling, just use sharp bits, start with smaller bits and work up, go slow and use cutting oil. The heat breaks it down. Keep it cool.

[tomsm44]

Thanks Lin.  I use pins to hold the bolsters.  Was just curious if there was something better than super glue.

[Lin Rhea]

Super glue is what I use as I described above. There is a Loctite line of products that is good called "Depend" or something like that. But I think heat would break it down too. I think avoiding the high heat is the key to any adhesive. JB Weld could do it, but it leaves a gray line sometimes.