Beautiful, very old but cracked horn scales - advice on gluing
I am restoring a lovely old wedge that came in original horn scales, a warranted cast steel. One of the scales is significantly thinner than the other, although not to the point of being flimsy, and is also cracked, in the buisness end no less. Yes, that's the center hole, not the wedge one. The crack is very tight and also fairly small, and although I scrutinized it before I depinned I was unable to determine there was one. It was hardly visible and left a suspicion only, a thorough cleanup and some sanding disclosed it beyond doubt. The crack runs horizontally through the pin hole, and about 1/4 into the scale after the hole. It feels sturdy, but obviously I want to strengthen it before peening.
I took it apart and have gone through the sanding grits, and they are now being treated with neatsfoot oil. They are starting to look real nice, but they are also are approaching the time when I need to repin. The are without a wedge, the wedge shape is carved into the horn scales, and they have very minor delamination, and they are carved from a lovely mottled horn. No bug bites at all. I really want to save these scales, but I am uncertain of how to strengthen them appropriately.
I am considering superglue in the crack, using a bolt and screw to apply enough pressure to get some thin flowing superglue in there, then remove the screw and use an adhesive tape to hold it tightly. The bolt & screw would mimic the peening and also allow for safe and slow pressure.
After this I was hoping to use some form of backing and a 2-component epoxy to further strengthen the scale. I am considering some thin clear acrylic or something along those lines.
Finally, the questions: I have been soaking the scales in neatsfoot oil. Oil and glue are not so good. Do I need to remove the oil in any way, or will it have soaked into the horn? Soap and water and a light brushing goes without saying, but is even more needed? Like perhaps an alcohol rubbing, or something? I have thought that the neatsfoot is thick enough that it will not have penetrated the crack at least, so for the superglue at least I think it is good to go.
Also, are there alternatives to a thin clear acrylic backing. Any suggestions welcome :)
Anyone have any views, thoughts or concerns?
I'm afraid I do not currently have a camera, so alas, no pics. Sorry guys.
