The "Ask Nathan a question" thread

Nathan the Machinist said:
I'm pretty sure the 212 degrees will weaken the epoxy, however I expect it will regain its full strength once it cools down so as long as it doesn't fail during the process it's probably okay. It's not a particularly loaded joint regardless.

I guess if it comes apart you'll have to stick it back together...
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Hmmmm. I’ll think about it. I don’t imagine it will be easy to get the epoxy off and place them together seamlessly.
 
This is just a technical blurb but the addition of the chemicals (dye, soap, etc) may raise the boiling point of that broth to over 212*F but what's a few more points when you're intent on fooque'ing things up.

#notwalterwhiteakaheizenberg
 
JustinFournier said:
I’m not too worried about the dye like we previously discussed. I’m more worried about the fixative. I didn’t imagine I’d need an hour worth at 200+
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What the hell kind of dye are you using that needs an hour to work??

I usually only do about a 5-10 minute dip in a simmering pot, then a cold water wash and they’re done-done.
 
Standard78 said:
What the hell kind of dye are you using that needs an hour to work??

I usually only do about a 5-10 minute dip in a simmering pot, then a cold water wash and they’re done-done.
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Rit.

Keep in mind my goal is very very black with no dye transfer. I kept checking on them in the bath up till 30 minutes as recommended but they were still taking on dye. So I left them for the full indicated duration possible (60 mins) and somewhere after 30 mins they stopped getting more black.

When I rinsed them off, you could wipe a cloth on them and get a little colour transfer which I don’t want, so I used the fixative. That fixed that.

I’ve done 4 sets of micarta, 2 canvas and 2 linen. I’m not sure how the TT will take dye so I’ll have to test a pair.

I’m sure you aren’t surprised that I’m being picky about the results. I added the soap and salt as recommended by Rit.
 
Hard Knocks said:
Justin, could you give a quick explanation of the fixative please. I had one set that did not want to hold fast. I was not using Rit dye however.
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I used the stovetop method for Rit fixative. I think the bottle was $7. It says it can be used on all dyes even commercially dyed clothing so it should be fine. Very similar in process to the dye.

3 gallons of water in a 16qt stockpot heated to about 210 degrees Fahrenheit as indicated by a thermometer. I suspended the scales midwater with wire. Stirred in 1 teaspoon (iirc) liquid dish soap. 1 bottle of Fixative. 1 hour bath.

Then a cool rinse and a scrub with a shop cloth and dish soap. Laid to dry. 0 transfer to the white shop cloth I scrubbed them with despite using soap. No warping. So it’s a success by my measure.
 
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JustinFournier said:
I used the stovetop method for Rit fixative. I think the bottle was $7. It says it can be used on all dyes even commercially dyed clothing so it should be fine. Very similar in process to the dye.

3 gallons of water in a 16qt stockpot heated to about 210 degrees Fahrenheit as indicated by a thermometer. I suspended the scales midwater with wire. Stirred in 1 teaspoon (iirc) liquid dish soap. 1 bottle of Fixative. 1 hour bath.

Then a cool rinse and a scrub with a shop cloth and dish soap. Laid to dry. 0 transfer to the white shop cloth I scrubbed them with despite using soap. No warping. So it’s a success by my measure.
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Awesome brother. Thank you for the break-down.
 
Nathan the Machinist said:
Sure. It will be a little while longer, they're at heat treat, but hopefully within a few weeks.
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Morning Nathan,

Will there just be one on the auction block?

Hey I wanted to ask about wooden handle scales. Do you always epoxy those? Wasn't sure if you would be willing to sell sets of wooden scales or not. I would love some Osage on a FK2 (would highly prefer them on this model vs the UF), but I'd buy another complete knife if they had to be epoxied and you happened to offer that. Thanks
 
^ as always #stillnotnathan #theresonlyonentm, so while I'm waiting for my morning coffee brain f*arts are ready to go :)

Auction? For the dagger grind UF? If so, I'm pretty certain that Nathan will just offer them as he always does, i.e, Fridays sales. Now maybe he will offer a weird one or a fancied up one as a fun Friday's sale item but otherwise I don't see an auction on these!

IIRC, he did mention African Blackwood, Cocobolo and "maybe" Osage as the wood handle options for the DG-UFs, but he may not offer any of those choices outside of the preorder, but then again, who knows? He doesn't even know! :D
 
mb> said:
Morning Nathan,

Will there just be one on the auction block?

Hey I wanted to ask about wooden handle scales. Do you always epoxy those? Wasn't sure if you would be willing to sell sets of wooden scales or not. I would love some Osage on a FK2 (would highly prefer them on this model vs the UF), but I'd buy another complete knife if they had to be epoxied and you happened to offer that. Thanks
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right now the plan is to auction one dagger on IG soon. One was promised to Mike many years ago and therefore is spoken for. I hope to finish the last one in time for blade show next year. Those are my tentative plans.

I used to bond wood scales to tang's, but I have had pretty good success just screwing them on if the wood is good and stable. I currently have no plans to make loose wooden scales. They are a huge pain for me.

... I'm a machinist not a carpenter...
 
Nathan the Machinist said:
right now the plan is to auction one dagger on IG soon. One was promised to Mike many years ago and therefore is spoken for. I hope to finish the last one in time for blade show next year. Those are my tentative plans.

I used to bond wood scales to tang's, but I have had pretty good success just screwing them on if the wood is good and stable. I currently have no plans to make loose wooden scales. They are a huge pain for me.

... I'm a machinist not a carpenter...
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Awesome. And congrats to Mike! (And to Abby on her new braces.)

Understood on the wood scales. I bet a machinist could be a carpenter easier than vice versa. :)
 
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