Superglue and Sawdust--the Pictures

As I mentioned, I've been spending some time dialing in my gear lately and this superglue and sawdust trick is the newest, and most addictive, technique. I'm finding myself actually looking for things to repair.

The thinnest CA glue is the stuff you want to use because it can actually penetrate the pores of the wood to create a sort of micarta-type material that is part natural and part synthetic.

(Click for larger image)

The last picture is the handle on my Tramontina machete. The scales were a bit proud of the tang and normally I'd sand down the wood to make everything flush to prevent a "pinch channel" that could cause hot spots on my hand during use. This time I decided to see if I could fill the gap with superglue and sawdust and it worked flawlessly. The back is now so smooth that you can't tell there was a "fix" of any kind.

I'm fairly sure this technique would work with other materials as well and know that modelers use baking soda and superglue to build up parts of polystyrene.

Just remember to be careful. Superglue this thin runs like mad and I could see how easy it would be to get some on your fingers or on the floor. I worked outside and kept my hands well clear of the glue for the few seconds it took it to set up.

The machete project, from start to finish, must have taken me only a few minutes. I let the glue cure for 24 hours before wiping down with oil but that's just a precaution I've been taking with no particular reason. :)

Thanks for reading,


B