Thread: First Set Of Scales........

It looks like you might have used epoxy intended as an adhesive, and probably the quick-drying sort. you would be better off with a resin made for pouring, casting or imbedding. Here is something close to the full story on epoxies:

Epoxy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Epoxy does cure quite progressively, and there is a stage at which, if anything is going wrong, it can easily be scraped or pared away without damaging the wood.

I have a feeling you are right...more than likely the syringe type available at walmart next to the CA.

Here is an example of what you are looking for:

Ok....here is the dealeoh....I used the heavy duty stuff at Lowe's.....I also mixed it 50/50 and for about 2 or 3 minutes...So where would one get the stuff you guys are referencing? I sure would love to do this right.....and stop wasting beautiful wood...haha
I am learning alot by my mistakes...I am trying some Spar Urethane tonight and see how it does..I am going to finely sand and reapply on a test piece.
Well thanks for hanging in there with me guys...I will get there on this eventually!!!!

yep, that's why it looks like it does. The stuff I showed you pours like thick honey. The stuff you used flows like, well, not like honey. I bought my stuff at a Do-it-Best Hardware store. ACE Hardware, Menards, Home Depot, Lowes, places like that might have it. You need to ask someone that looks like they know what the hell they're talking about to help you find furniture epoxy. It should be in a pint, quart, or half gallon sizes. It works a WHOLE lot better than the crap you used.

Don't feel bad about using the wrong stuff. Every time you make a mistake, you are that much closer to knowing what will ultimately work. I messed up on the razor I showed you earlier in this thread; the sides of the wood didn't cover evenly. It looks ok, but next time I will know what not to do. Just keep experimenting and asking questions. Let us know how the SU goes. I've never tried it. I looked at it, but decided to go with epoxy first. I'm interested.

BEFORE you pour the epoxy again, PM me and I will send you my phone number and I will give you some pointers about how to get the bubbles out.

Dude, that sounds great.....finding someone at Lowes that knows what they are doing is quite a task....and well, it may be a while due to finances....But I will work with the Spar Urethane for a while and see the results....Once I do I will post some photos to show the results.....Thanks Again

Which is why I shop at my smaller Do-it Best. They don't have as large a selection, but I can walk from one end of the store to the other in less than 45 seconds. It's like Radio Shack, "You've got questions, we've got blank stares." lol

I used a pint of Minwax polyurethane to good effect as well. Just coat it with several light coats, sand until it's all dull looking with no glossy high spots, then a couple more light coats, then repeat until you get the depth you like. It works well, just time consuming. The minwax poly is CHEAP too. Really cheap. Might try it too.

The second I say your photo I knew what you did. You have to use bar top finish you used adhesive epoxy.
Try reading this…

Finishing scales using epoxy resin - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Spar urethane will not set on cocobolo, nothing will set on cocobolo other than a chemically hardened finish like epoxy, CA, or catalyzed urethane. I use system three epoxy finish but I also get it by the gallon (have a wood shop). It takes a little work to learn how to lay the finish but when you get it down, it is a nice finish. I use a dremmel with a sanding drum to knock the drips off the bottom of the scales once they have cured. It will take about 3 days for the resin to fully harden.

Originally Posted by medicevans

BEFORE you pour the epoxy again, PM me and I will send you my phone number and I will give you some pointers about how to get the bubbles out.

Butane torch passed over the finish with about 4 inches of clearance between the flame and the finish. Or if you have a vacuum chamber it will also work.

Originally Posted by TDITim

Ok....here is the dealeoh....I used the heavy duty stuff at Lowe's.....I also mixed it 50/50 and for about 2 or 3 minutes...So where would one get the stuff you guys are referencing?

Here is what I use on my tables and scales.

Mirror Coat - Woodcraft.com