I recently picked up some epoxy dye from Brownells to fill in some filework that I ran along the length of the handle of my latest knife project. Since I am using a light colored wood, osage, should I be worried about the wood taking up the dye from the epoxy when I glue up the handle slabs? If so what precautions should I take? This is the first time I have ever used the stuff. Thanks in advance! Jon
Cut a slot in a piece of osage.
Mix up some epoxy and put it in.
Sand it off.
Then you'll know.
if the wood has been stabilized it should not bleed ! if not ,test it first !
Thanks guys! I should of thought of testing a small piece. I don't think anyone stabilizes osage or am I wrong? Thanks again! Jon
I've stabilized numerous times. Still have some.
I will try that! I usually send my wood out to be stabilized. Next time I will include some osage with my batch. Thanks for your help Karl! Jon
When you use the brownells acra glass dye it only take a TINY amount to color the epoxy. I have a jar of black that has been around for at least 5 years and its used anytime I put a black micarta handle on.
Gee Lamey, that is the way to buy it! I made the mistake of purchasing it in small tubes. Once I cut the end and squeeze out a drop or two, I am now challenged by how to keep it. I usually try taping the end and store it in a small medicine cylinder. It some what works. Gets messy! I also found out that my resource for stabilizing wood will not accept osage. They said there was no need. I will have to send a PM to Karl and ask him who does his stabilization. I suspect he does his own.
Jon-
I'm almost certain Karl uses K&G to stabilize his wood. Double check with him, though. I do know I've heard several say good things about K&G in reference to their customer service and stabilizing-I'll be sending mine off to them whenever I give it a try.
Jeremy
Yea...your right Jeremy! I'm going to give them a try. I did find another place that was recommended highly, but they don't do osage either. There seems to be a difference of opinion regarding osage. Thanks Jeremy! Jon
you can get it in both powder and "gel". I have used both with very good results, and both will last a long time. If using the gel I simply dip my stir stick into the dye, and thats always enough. With the powder I pick up as little as possible with the blade of my pocket knife, again always enough!