The machete isn't complete yet, but I wanted to share some of the changes I've been making to my Ontario 12". End goal is reprofile, stripped and new handles.
Just did the really scary part. Hopefully I didn't screw it up too bad. Epoxied the handles on. Also, the paint stripper did nothing so I had to sand the thing by hand.
Hey, it is looking good. As far as the epoxying being the scary part, don't sweat it. You can remove almost any scales by boiling for just a couple minutes. From pic # 3 though, it looks like they are nice and squared up in the front, so I think you'll be pleased.
Still looking good. scales looking good as mmb noted. What will you use to shape them? Hope you're not having to do that by hand.
I have a harbor freight 1x30, an old dremel and some rasps. Wish I had a band saw (and a drill press and a and a and a)
Ha. I hear your "and a" disease, and raise you one. I have three drill presses. Each one is set up a bit different. That HF 1x30 will move wood quick enough. Made my first twenty knives with one of those.
Made some more progress this weekend. Wish I had cut the scales to a closer fit though. Damn lot of sanding, poor little HF motor is going to die on me.
Man get a half round hand rasp and go to town on the handle. Shouldn't take more than 10mins to get it contoured properly
Nice. I modded a 12" sawback Ontario. It's addictive. I might do another. Edit: Agreed on the whole coating thing. It's tough stuff.