ACRAGLAS in a syringe?

[Jim T]

Two questions.... I can't seem to find the answers on the Acraglas web page.

How much working time do you have with Acraglas before it begins to harden? And, how long do you let it cure before you can start finishing your knife?

Jim T

[Rog]

The instructions I got with a bedding kit (2 days ago) say mix for 4 minuets (with or without color dye) and never add extra hardener. (will ruin the batch) Then you will have 15 minuets working time. Give it 10 hours to set up. Clean up with vinegar. The unmixed ACRAGLAS has a 15-20 year shelf life. Good luck Brother.

[Jim T]

Thanks Rog! - Jim T

[Rog]

Glad to help, I love the stuff.

[Paul Knife]

What kind of sanding of the wood and blade is required for a good bond with Acra-Glas, 80 grit or finer?

[Rog]

80 works well Paul. I also drill two holes (1/2" or bigger) between the pin holes in the "tang" of full tang knives. This allows for two big strong glue pins between the handle slabs. This has worked well for me. Good luck Bro!

[Paul Knife]

Thanks for the tip: I like the idea of the two extra holes filled with glue a lot. Thinking out loud I wonder now if for certain thick handles you could machine a long T-groove on the two insides with a matching slot in the blade, fill all of it with glue and avoid using any fasteners. I don't know if hard blobs of Acra-Glas glue are brittle. If so, then this is a bad idea. Any comment?

[Rog]

I have used Acra-Glas For about 35 years on rifle stocks, and it seems to be quit rugged stuff. I believe it has a 25 year shelf life, and is good for 50 as a bonding agent. I know it has a very good track record with other knife makers too. Rog