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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2011 3:42:46 GMT
I just noticed some small? (ish?) cracks in my tsuka. I don't particularly want to remount my sword at this time or permanently epoxy it... ever. I know it will probably boil down to me having to remount it with a new tsuka which I was planning on anyways, but at the moment it's my only sword, so I thought I'd ask: is there any way that I can save my sword's current tsuka and make it safe to cut with right now, without epoxying the entire thing together?
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Post by MuerteBlack on Dec 2, 2011 1:14:13 GMT
Eww, those look like some pretty nasty cracks.
You might be able to get away with applying some epoxy to the insides of the cracks and clamping it, but be warned that the entirety of the cracks would probably not be filled unless you unwrapped and disassembled it and then put it back together. Also note that it probably cracked because the fit on the nakago was too tight and it may just wind up cracking again.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2011 3:03:46 GMT
Smallish crack? Nope that's some serious crack. Either you make one from scratch or glue the tsuka permanently on the katana. As for MuerteBlack's comment on filling and clamping the crack with epoxy, it might work for small crack, but this one looks serious. I would not risk it.
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Post by MuerteBlack on Dec 2, 2011 9:21:51 GMT
I have to agree with Jerrymander here. I was hesitant to suggest trying to fix it for the reasons I mentioned above. With cracks that large, replacement is really the only feasible non-permanent option.
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Post by lamebmx on Dec 2, 2011 15:25:50 GMT
my 2 cents. dont glue and clamp. clamps only apply pressure in one direction. my musashi had a similar mune corner crack, and you cant really clamp it from 2 directions good. when i repaired the crack; i had to undo the tsukamaki. then i carefully filled the cracks with a thin layer of glue, dipping a needle into a puddle of wood glue. I glued and wrapped it really really tight with left over ito. let it sit 24 hours. time for tsuka-re-maki. with that much work you just chiselling and sanding shy of a new handle anyways. before and after shots of that repair in the swords review (after shot is a few posts down): viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7643lastly check the nakago construction, mine happened to have the mune side misshapen. If that is the case it will need to be taken care of first, either repair or new handle will just crack again.
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Marc Kaden Ridgeway
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Post by Marc Kaden Ridgeway on Dec 2, 2011 15:35:27 GMT
Cant see your picture...
So much is stressed about cracked tsuka... and I'm liable to get lambasted for saying this... but so what?
As i said, i can't see how badly yours is cracked... but I have a Kat I cut with occasionally that has a tsuka that has been cracked for 3 years or more. Catstrophic failure is unlikely, if the ito and the fuchi are performing their function proprerly and the habaki is allowing proper shock transference....
Be careful and be reasonable, but know , there is more than one failsafe to the tsuka staying intact.
Again , I qualify this with saying I can't see your picture...
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Post by Elheru Aran on Dec 2, 2011 16:13:18 GMT
So... the number one question here is: Is it safe to cut with?
The answer, IMO, is "kinda-sorta".
Is it likely to fly apart once you hit the target? Probably not; if you aren't cutting on tatami or bamboo, the target is unlikely to exert enough torque on the blade to cause the tang to break the tsuka up, and the ito and same should help hold it together provided the same is a full wrap and not just panels.
That said, personally I would not feel confident cutting with that, and would far rather replace the core. If you decide to glue it, you'll need to unwrap it, possibly take off the same; to glue it I'd wrap it tightly with string after putting down the glue to sort of clamp it all around.
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Mikeeman
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Post by Mikeeman on Dec 4, 2011 3:18:10 GMT
My thoughts exactly. I have a Musashi and a Masahiro katana and the tsukas are cracked. They still perform solidly without any chance of somehow magically exploding like a nuke.
The only problem with regluing the cracks together is the fact that the tang will just break it again. The tsukas are not custom fit. They are premade small. Like Marc said, the crack isn't really a big deal. So long as the wrap is good, fittings are on and what-not. If anything, unwrap the tsuka and put it on the tang. Fill in the gaps with some kind of epoxy so it glues it to the size that fits the tang.
Unless your handle is just splintering all over the place or rotting off and still feels solid, it should be alright. If you start hearing cracking or snapping while you are using it, it might be time to make a new handle.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2011 19:22:46 GMT
Yeah... it's and $80 Musashi, no full wrap. I suspect that the handle's been cracked since I got it, but it's been a while since I bought it. I've cut with it all this time and I started hearing a snapping noise which caused me to take a closer look. The nagako is perfectly straight, cut out by a machine I guess so the tsuka is probably just too small.
Anyways, thanks. Imma pick up some pieces of poplar and a chisel now. I was fine with it at first but after that snapping noise started I just don't trust it any more.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2011 4:41:35 GMT
Wow... just disassembled the old tsuka and I swear there isn't anything on this sword that's not overly tight or held down with glue (or in the case of the ito, double sided sticky tape). Was thinking about customization and noticed a crack in the saya and a hole filled with some sort of filler. Can't really complain because I knew it was a budget sword and I get to learn how to repair and maintain it without nuffing up something nicer... but I don't think I'm getting another one of these.
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Post by lamebmx on Dec 7, 2011 2:45:19 GMT
Wow my $80 musashi was nice. no cracked tsuba, no glue (cept maybe the ito ends) sticky stuff at the sides is a good thing as I am learning with tsuka-maki. mekugi were nicely snug, 2 taps then an easy push to remove. handle was on good, medium hard hit to the wrist and it barely popped perfectly. I use it to practice every day and the fit slowly loosens. 2 seppa when new, the 2 seppa and a cut down playing card. then a 1.5mm seppa and a regular one. just added the playing card again the other day. already have another 1.5mm seppa, but me thinks it will be replaced with another &80 musashi here soon.
as for the snapping noise, was it loose tsuba or tsuka? loose tsuba is fairly common, easy to fix and not an issue if it moves perpendicular to the blade. just solder a metal shim on the inside of the tsuba. if it moves parallel to the blade, add to the seppa until its gone. I wouldnt trust a snapping tsuka either.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2011 3:43:17 GMT
Eh, I guess the quality control just varies. And they are extremely nice for what they are, great to learn on and I'm happy with mine they're just not... that nice lol. I'm pretty sure that it was the tsuka, the tsuba is pretty tight (had to tap it off with a rubber mallet) and doesn't seem to move much.
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Post by Lobster Hunter on Dec 8, 2011 18:08:43 GMT
Get as much wood glue as you can coax in the cracks as you can with the aid of thin strips of card stock or string.
Wrap the tsuka tightly with long strips of cloth (temporary ito) until the glue sets (at least 6 hours).
Test the nakago fit. It should be snug, but not too tight. File the inside of the tsuka until you have the desired fit. Chances are, it'll be initially tightest near the opening. Strips of coarse sandpaper glued on to chop sticks work pretty good.
Good luck!
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