|
Post by alientude on Apr 29, 2022 18:28:55 GMT
I have a couple katana/wakizashi with loose fuchi that I'd like to get fixed. My thought was to disassemble them and add some paper as needed to act as shims. I know I've seen this done on some katana - my HuaWei came like that - but what I don't know is what type of paper is safe to use. I don't want something that might contain acids or other chemicals that could potentially damage the nakago. Any suggestions on type of paper to use? Would regular old copy/printer paper be safe? Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by eastman on Apr 30, 2022 1:47:08 GMT
There are (or at least use to be) heavier papers for resumes that were all cotton &/or linen, no wood pulp. The cotton or linen paper is acid and lignin free.
There are also specialty companies that purify the wood pulp to remove all of the lignin. Those types of paper were sold in stores catering to artists and photo conservators (Light Impressions was one supplier).
|
|
|
Post by alientude on May 2, 2022 14:49:21 GMT
Thanks for the tip. I'll see if I can find some cotton or linen paper on Amazon.
|
|
steveboy
Member
Measure twice, cut once.
Posts: 366
|
Post by steveboy on May 2, 2022 17:51:02 GMT
Thanks for the tip. I'll see if I can find some cotton or linen paper on Amazon. I have some 100% cotton bond paper. I doubt you need much for shimming. DM me your address & I'll be happy to mail some sheets to you.
|
|
|
Post by alientude on May 2, 2022 17:54:21 GMT
Thank you for the generous offer! Sent you a PM.
|
|
|
Post by Cottontail Customs on May 2, 2022 20:54:58 GMT
you may be able to tighten the fit by using paper but the more paper you add under the fuchi, the further the bottom rim of the fuchi will separate from the ito. Huawei does often use card stock in the fuchi but they do this before wrapping the tsuka. if it's just the fuchi that's moving and not the tsuka, tsuba or other fittings, maybe try using an epoxy to secure the fuchi to the tsuka core. if you do notice movement in your other fittings/core, maybe try a better fitting mekugi. some parts can also be peened or shimmed to keep from moving such as the tsuba or even seppa sometimes. I have added thin wood to the top of some tsuka cores to create a tighter fit but again, this was done prior to new tsukamaki so there wouldn't be any resulting gaps.
|
|
|
Post by alientude on May 2, 2022 21:32:48 GMT
Thanks for the advice! The looseness in this case is not along the length of the tsuka, but perpendicular to it. So theoretically, I'd be adding small amounts of paper to the sides of the fuchi, not the top. Hope that makes sense.
|
|
|
Post by treeslicer on May 5, 2022 16:38:34 GMT
Thanks for the advice! The looseness in this case is not along the length of the tsuka, but perpendicular to it. So theoretically, I'd be adding small amounts of paper to the sides of the fuchi, not the top. Hope that makes sense. IMHO:
Instead of paper shims, or gluing the fuchi to the tsuka core, if and only if the fuchi is the usual mass-produced variety, apply a buid-up of epoxy to the inside of the fuchi walls, and then sand it (or shave it with a small chisel or gouge) to fit until it's a perfect fit to the core.
If the fuchi you have is antique, or artisanal, you should either carve a new tsuka core to fit it (best), or apply an epoxy build-up to the existing core, and sand it to fit the fuchi (acceptable).
|
|
|
Post by alientude on May 5, 2022 16:41:04 GMT
This is most certainly not antique, that's for sure! One is a JKOO, the other is HanBon. Interesting idea, thanks for the suggestion!
|
|
|
Post by treeslicer on May 5, 2022 16:50:51 GMT
This is most certainly not antique, that's for sure! One is a JKOO, the other is HanBon. Interesting idea, thanks for the suggestion! You're more than welcome. I wrote for the general lurking audience, not just you. While SBG may get more than its fair share of abuse from more pretentious sites, statistically it's the most visited website for sword questions. I'm very careful that advice I post here is as factually correct as I can make it.
|
|
steveboy
Member
Measure twice, cut once.
Posts: 366
|
Post by steveboy on May 5, 2022 17:01:13 GMT
If you ever want to redo that tsuka, that's gonna be a pain to take apart, and might pull some of the wood with it.
|
|
|
Post by treeslicer on May 5, 2022 18:09:07 GMT
If you ever want to redo that tsuka, that's gonna be a pain to take apart, and might pull some of the wood with it. Please explain why increasing fuchi wall thickness, or tsuka core diameter, with a properly cured build-up would produce any more of a "pain to take apart" than disassembling parts that were properly fitted in the first place.
|
|
steveboy
Member
Measure twice, cut once.
Posts: 366
|
Post by steveboy on May 5, 2022 18:16:02 GMT
If you ever want to redo that tsuka, that's gonna be a pain to take apart, and might pull some of the wood with it. Please explain why increasing fuchi wall thickness, or tsuka core diameter, with a properly cured build-up would produce any more of a "pain to take apart" than disassembling parts that were properly fitted in the first place. Yeah, no.
|
|
|
Post by alientude on May 9, 2022 3:49:16 GMT
The paper shims worked a treat. Tightened up the fuchi fit perfectly.
|
|