steveboy
Member
Measure twice, cut once.
Posts: 366
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Post by steveboy on Oct 24, 2021 17:05:16 GMT
I recently bought a marked-down tanto from roninkatana.com's scratch & dent section, with the aim of doing a lot of customization. These are generally customer returns for minor imperfections, but my experience with them has been pretty good, and they're certainly worth the money as foundations for remodeling. This latest tanto, though, has been a bear. I simply can't get the tsuka off of the nakago. I've tried various kinds of metal shims, including a 1/4" chisel (not whanging away, but tapped in with a jewelers hammer and worked a bit), and the thing won't budge. More severe than that and I'm worried about destroying the fuchi or cracking the handle wood. Before anyone asks: Yes, I removed the mekugi. I'm starting to think this thing has been glued on. Anyone have any less-destructive ideas than I've been able to come up with? Thanks in advance!
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pgandy
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Senior Forumite
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Post by pgandy on Oct 24, 2021 22:15:13 GMT
You might try using a board wide enough to cover the tsuba entirely and cutting out a slot wide enough for the blade to pass through and place over the tsuba. Then use a hammer. The board being sufficiently wide enough to cover the tsuba will distribute the hammer’s force equally. As for the open forked end if desired you can always place something over both forks and strike there also. There is always the possibility the tsuka is epoxied on.
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steveboy
Member
Measure twice, cut once.
Posts: 366
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Post by steveboy on Oct 24, 2021 23:06:26 GMT
You might try using a board wide enough to cover the tsuba entirely and cutting out a slot wide enough for the blade to pass through and place over the tsuba. Then use a hammer. Terrific idea, thank you! I know there's a tsuka maki tool that does something similar; I forget what it's called. But your idea is even better, as it distributes the impact across a larger area. A friend suggested I try a heat gun on the off chance I could melt the glue. I may give it a go. If it's only glued near the fuchi, it might work. If someone just filled the space with Super Glue and shoved in the nakago, I'm hosed. Thanks again!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2021 3:38:36 GMT
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steveboy
Member
Measure twice, cut once.
Posts: 366
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Post by steveboy on Oct 25, 2021 19:32:17 GMT
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steveboy
Member
Measure twice, cut once.
Posts: 366
|
Post by steveboy on Oct 25, 2021 21:52:16 GMT
It worked perfectly! Turns out the seppa and the nakago were glued on, but the nuki dealt with it quite well and damage-free. Plus, I now have a cool tool for future work. Thank you so much for your suggestions!
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