4 cracked tsukas
Mar 29, 2015 15:44:46 GMT
Post by Robnose on Mar 29, 2015 15:44:46 GMT
Recently received 2 Ronin Dojo Pro from the 2015 scratch n dent sale. Both in excellent shape upon initial examination. The model 17 had a loose kashira which I fixed with super glue. I did find a few minor cosmetic blemishes such as thin lacquer on a portion of a saya and the end knots are a little "unkempt". It's hard to explain but they look a little messy. Other than that, the blades are in great shape. I disassembled them and found both had cracked tsuka cores. Which led me to check my previous full price model 17s. Both have cracked tsukas. I did not disassemble with the "rubber mallet" technique. All came apart with a tap to the wrist and a straight pull. Getting to the point...
I used to fear cracked cores like an extinction level event. Not any more. I got wood glue into the cracks and let it dry. The ito on all 4 tsukas has been lacquered and the fittings are nice and tight. I did however epoxy all cores back on. I don't have any plans to customize them so I figured "why not"? The only way they'll come apart now is on purpose. Anyone else have any experience epoxying cores?
I have another #17 on the way from the sale for an experiment. I'm going to strip the tsuka and start with a layer of thin wall 1 1/2" diameter heat shrink. then replace the same panels and rewrap. The heat shrink is strong stuff and should provide an extra level of reinforcement to the core without having to epoxy it on. Any thoughts on this?
I used to fear cracked cores like an extinction level event. Not any more. I got wood glue into the cracks and let it dry. The ito on all 4 tsukas has been lacquered and the fittings are nice and tight. I did however epoxy all cores back on. I don't have any plans to customize them so I figured "why not"? The only way they'll come apart now is on purpose. Anyone else have any experience epoxying cores?
I have another #17 on the way from the sale for an experiment. I'm going to strip the tsuka and start with a layer of thin wall 1 1/2" diameter heat shrink. then replace the same panels and rewrap. The heat shrink is strong stuff and should provide an extra level of reinforcement to the core without having to epoxy it on. Any thoughts on this?