Thread: Brian's First Blade

Looks awesome Brian! Can't wait to see it assembled!!

I just checked the scales. I wish I wouldn't have, now I'm going to be thinking about them all day tomorrow. The finish is soaking in, just like the CA did at first. I'm hoping that the wood is just thirsty, and I can build the finish. If this doesn't work, I'm going to bone.

This is normal when working with natural materials like wood. The soaking in will only strengthen the scales. Just keep on adding your finish and they will get their fill and in the end you will get the finish you are looking for...as long as you don't rush them.

Would you sand between coats? I might put the second coat on, sand lightly, then the third coat and see where we're at.

Originally Posted by medicevans

I'm not sure why my glue isn't drying either. My first piece has had gorilla brand superglue on it since last night and still hasn't cured past sticky. The other has had all day to dry and is soft and opaque, almost like it has moisture in it. Puzzling for sure.

CA should be applied in multiple thin layers.
I tried the thick coating in the beginning, but found that it doesn't cure properly.

Originally Posted by Bruno

CA should be applied in multiple thin layers.
I tried the thick coating in the beginning, but found that it doesn't cure properly.

Not sure if this chemistry is similar but when I built a hovercraft I quickly learned that polyester based resin and epoxy don't mix. You can put the epoxy on first then the resin on second and it all cures happy but if you put the resin on first and then the epoxy it does like what you are saying, just stays sticky forever. Took me a week to clean the resin off an entire boat ;( Give it a few days more (bake it i little) and if no luck use MEK or some industrial solvent to remove it, sand it down and try something else.

The CA and the epoxy both were on test pieces. The epoxy on the ruined back scale and the CA on a couple of scraps.

Bruno, the thick ended up drying, but with patches of opaque. The multiple thin coats dried milky white. Very poor prep on my part.

The scales are looking good with one coat of the general finishes stuff on them. I put another coat on this morning, shoved them in a little used bathroom, shut the door and cranked the heat up. As long as I don't burn out my wife, these scales should be dry and ready for final sanding and polish or one more coat and final sand/polish in the morning. I'm just ready to have these scales done. They're becoming a nightmare.

Don't rush it, you'll regret it!
It is the most difficult thing ever though!

I know. It's just hard! :grumpy:

Right now I have them in that little bathroom and the door is shut. My wife made me turn down the thermostat, so I know if I open the door, all that nice built up heat is going to dissipate. I REALLY want to check on them though! Must-be-patient-----

Originally Posted by medicevans

I know. It's just hard! :grumpy:

Right now I have them in that little bathroom and the door is shut. My wife made me turn down the thermostat, so I know if I open the door, all that nice built up heat is going to dissipate. I REALLY want to check on them though! Must-be-patient-----

I guarantee I'm not the only one smiling with recognition atm!