New Rencong Meucannge comments and advice

Sajen · 22nd May 2013, 11:06 PM

I personally would be careful to use a pin, you need to drill two holes in both parts and this holes have to match exactly otherwise the repair will be visible. Why not try superglue? When it is not strong enough you still can look for other options.

Regards,

Detlef

A. G. Maisey · 23rd May 2013, 12:09 AM

Detlef, I have done this repair on hilts more times than I can remember, mostly keris hilts, but also a couple of rencongs and more than a few assorted knives. I have also done similar repairs on statuary and furniture.

It does require care, and it does require precision.

If the alignment of the pins is out by a few thousandths of an inch you simply enlarge the hole a little and fill with the adhesive, which when set is at least as strong as most hilt materials. A small misalignment can be hidden by recarve and stain.

Superglue will work, and superglue is what would be used in Indonesia --- well, not super glue exactly, but a similar product called Alteco. The problem with super glue is that it dries out after a few years and the joint comes adrift. If all you want to do is to recycle something on ebay, or sell out of a warung in some market in Jawa you use super glue. If you want a joint with integrity that will outlast you , you do a tradesman like job.

Rick · 23rd May 2013, 03:24 AM

Possibly one might apply a very tiny drop of say, acrylic artist's paint or some substance that will leave a mark to the center of one part .
Then carefully and very lightly press the parts together in the proper aligned position .
Pull them apart and you will have, at least a rough idea from the residue of where to drill on each part .

Yeah, there was a previously repaired/restored break in that spot .

Battara · 23rd May 2013, 04:12 AM

I agree with Alan, although I was thinking of water buffalo horn or strong wood. A metal pin will do to. I would use the epoxy instead of superglue for the reasons Alan mentions and for another reason - superglue does not fill in gaps.

Sajen · 23rd May 2013, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Detlef, I have done this repair on hilts more times than I can remember, mostly keris hilts, but also a couple of rencongs and more than a few assorted knives. I have also done similar repairs on statuary and furniture.

It does require care, and it does require precision.

If the alignment of the pins is out by a few thousandths of an inch you simply enlarge the hole a little and fill with the adhesive, which when set is at least as strong as most hilt materials. A small misalignment can be hidden by recarve and stain.

Superglue will work, and superglue is what would be used in Indonesia --- well, not super glue exactly, but a similar product called Alteco. The problem with super glue is that it dries out after a few years and the joint comes adrift. If all you want to do is to recycle something on ebay, or sell out of a warung in some market in Jawa you use super glue. If you want a joint with integrity that will outlast you , you do a tradesman like job.

Hello Alan,

yes, I have done similar repairs in the same way you have described but have seen repairs which was done unprofessional and I have had a lot of work to open the break again to restore it in a better way. When someone is unused by repairs like this there is a big risk that the repair look ugly so my suggestion to use superglue. But I wasn't aware that the superglue dries out and the joint will come adrift. Anyway, agree complete with you, the way of repair you have described is the professional way.

Regards,

Detlef

22nd May 2013, 11:06 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	I personally would be careful to use a pin, you need to drill two holes in both parts and this holes have to match exactly otherwise the repair will be visible. Why not try superglue? When it is not strong enough you still can look for other options. Regards, Detlef

23rd May 2013, 12:09 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,991	Detlef, I have done this repair on hilts more times than I can remember, mostly keris hilts, but also a couple of rencongs and more than a few assorted knives. I have also done similar repairs on statuary and furniture. It does require care, and it does require precision. If the alignment of the pins is out by a few thousandths of an inch you simply enlarge the hole a little and fill with the adhesive, which when set is at least as strong as most hilt materials. A small misalignment can be hidden by recarve and stain. Superglue will work, and superglue is what would be used in Indonesia --- well, not super glue exactly, but a similar product called Alteco. The problem with super glue is that it dries out after a few years and the joint comes adrift. If all you want to do is to recycle something on ebay, or sell out of a warung in some market in Jawa you use super glue. If you want a joint with integrity that will outlast you , you do a tradesman like job.

23rd May 2013, 03:24 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Possibly one might apply a very tiny drop of say, acrylic artist's paint or some substance that will leave a mark to the center of one part . Then carefully and very lightly press the parts together in the proper aligned position . Pull them apart and you will have, at least a rough idea from the residue of where to drill on each part . Yeah, there was a previously repaired/restored break in that spot .

23rd May 2013, 04:12 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I agree with Alan, although I was thinking of water buffalo horn or strong wood. A metal pin will do to. I would use the epoxy instead of superglue for the reasons Alan mentions and for another reason - superglue does not fill in gaps.