Acer89
James
I've been asked several times how I reknot so here's a tutorial using my method of re-knotting
Steaming or Drilling?
IMO steaming is far too risky and mostly unsuccessful. Too much heat can easily split wood and make resin brittle to the point it easily breaks. Steaming may be OK for metal handles but they mostly still require a Dremel cutter to remove remaining epoxy.
Here's an example of steamed resin. As soon as I tugged the knot the entire handle broke.
Steaming is not a method I'd recommend.
I always drill out my old knots
Here's how:
Cut away as much hair as possible.
Use a standard drill and drill a small pilot hole in the centre of the old knot.
Use a Dremel type tool and a 115 cutter. I use a Proxxon IBS/E but any Dremel type tool will do.
115 Cutter
This next step is dusty and messy so work over a bin. Epoxy dust is toxic so wear eye protection and a dust mask.
Keep the cutter low avoiding the top edge of the socket. Working slowly and gently from the centre pilot hole to the edge. Allow the cutting tool to do the work and don't apply additional pressure. Too much pressure can burn out the motor and take the edge off your cutting tool.
Optional but not essential: Use a sanding band at low speed to tidy up the socket
The diameter of your handle socket should be 1-2 mm wider than your chosen knot. My ideal is 2mm.
Once the knot has been removed it's imperative the base of your new knot hits the base of the socket. If it doesn't the epoxy won't adhere and you'll have water trapped within the socket. In this instance glue a coin or nylon washer in the base of the socket to create a false base. Also measure the loft from the top of the handle to the tip if the knot.
I prefer epoxy adhesive for setting my knots. Get yourself a good brand of quick drying epoxy. I use
Araldite Rapid Syringe Epoxy, 24 ml
Lightly scuff the base plug of your new knot using coarse sanding paper. This helps the epoxy to adhere.
Mix quickly and drop a small dab of epoxy to the base of the socket avoiding the sides (don't spread) It's imperative not to apply too much. It's far better for the knot to fall out than applying too much and have epoxy ooze up the sides into the hair and over the top of the socket
Work quickly.....Apply your dab of mixed epoxy and press in the knot. Turn the knot once. Check it's level and hold down firmly for 60 seconds then leave the knot to fully cure for at least a week. The packet may state it cures within 48hrs but remember you'll be using it in water so why take the risk? Far better to leave it longer.
Job done!
Here's a few of my reknots
Steaming or Drilling?
IMO steaming is far too risky and mostly unsuccessful. Too much heat can easily split wood and make resin brittle to the point it easily breaks. Steaming may be OK for metal handles but they mostly still require a Dremel cutter to remove remaining epoxy.
Here's an example of steamed resin. As soon as I tugged the knot the entire handle broke.

Steaming is not a method I'd recommend.
I always drill out my old knots
Here's how:
Cut away as much hair as possible.
Use a standard drill and drill a small pilot hole in the centre of the old knot.
Use a Dremel type tool and a 115 cutter. I use a Proxxon IBS/E but any Dremel type tool will do.
115 Cutter
This next step is dusty and messy so work over a bin. Epoxy dust is toxic so wear eye protection and a dust mask.
Keep the cutter low avoiding the top edge of the socket. Working slowly and gently from the centre pilot hole to the edge. Allow the cutting tool to do the work and don't apply additional pressure. Too much pressure can burn out the motor and take the edge off your cutting tool.
Optional but not essential: Use a sanding band at low speed to tidy up the socket
The diameter of your handle socket should be 1-2 mm wider than your chosen knot. My ideal is 2mm.
Once the knot has been removed it's imperative the base of your new knot hits the base of the socket. If it doesn't the epoxy won't adhere and you'll have water trapped within the socket. In this instance glue a coin or nylon washer in the base of the socket to create a false base. Also measure the loft from the top of the handle to the tip if the knot.
I prefer epoxy adhesive for setting my knots. Get yourself a good brand of quick drying epoxy. I use
Araldite Rapid Syringe Epoxy, 24 ml
Lightly scuff the base plug of your new knot using coarse sanding paper. This helps the epoxy to adhere.
Mix quickly and drop a small dab of epoxy to the base of the socket avoiding the sides (don't spread) It's imperative not to apply too much. It's far better for the knot to fall out than applying too much and have epoxy ooze up the sides into the hair and over the top of the socket
Work quickly.....Apply your dab of mixed epoxy and press in the knot. Turn the knot once. Check it's level and hold down firmly for 60 seconds then leave the knot to fully cure for at least a week. The packet may state it cures within 48hrs but remember you'll be using it in water so why take the risk? Far better to leave it longer.
Job done!
Here's a few of my reknots

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