jacobd Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I've read people taking about epoxy empregnated cord handles. I want to try it out. However I just have a couple questions. What cordage works well for this? Is paracord good for this? If not what is? What kind of epoxy do you use? A single stage slow drying would be nice, but may not be best. Lastly, what method of impregnation do you use? Literally soak it in epoxy or what? Thanks! Yous da cooliest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormcrow Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 I don't think I've tried a cord that doesn't work. As long as it will absorb the epoxy into itself, it'll do fine. Paracord works really well. As for epoxy, the slower the set time and the thinner the consistency, the better. I use West System epoxy with the 105 resin and 207 hardener. Kind of pricy to start with, but it'll do a lot of handles. I mix the epoxy then brush it on with a disposable acid brush. I slather it on thick, hitting it with more when it absorbs into the fibers. After everything is thoroughly coated, I'll let it sit for a minute, then flip it over to keep the excess from pooling on one side. Flip it every few minutes until it doesn't seem to be pooling any more. After it has set up for a little bit after that, wipe the excess off with a rag and allow it to harden the rest of the way. On hairy natural cords like hemp, after it sets it may be rough and abrasive. Hit it lightly with some sandpaper, then oil it and it'll be good to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chinobi Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 Good question, iv always meant to ask for your method James :) and now I have another reason to want a can of 105. Been thinking about trying my hand at 'MyCarta' recently too :) Thanks for the writeup! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitch4ging Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 Yes, thanks for posting! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tool Posted September 29, 2014 Share Posted September 29, 2014 Stupid question here gents but will rod varnish not be a bit of a better option than the epoxy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormcrow Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Not a clue. I have no experience with it. I do know that I immersed a knife with a cord wrapped handle into a black oxide acid solution for five minutes the other day, rinsed it off, and had no penetration into the cord or leather underneath. That was with the West marine epoxy. If the rod varnish if more readily available to you, or you think it'll work better, give it a crack and see how it goes. I've used superglue and Minwax Wood Hardener, and the marine epoxy does better than either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tool Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Thanks Stormcrow. I personally have never done a cord handle but will keep your advice in mind when I do one some day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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