MLM handguard dry out cracks

Hey boys!

Happy to say say my Handguard arrived today. It is a real beauty and will match the other wood perfect. Upon close inspection though it has at least four dry out cracks. No idea how long it has been off the rifle and unsupported. Cracks are all tight and only visible to the trained eye.

Is there enough clearance to use a thin coat of acraglas on the inside? [gag]

I am hesitant to slip it into place on the barrel and have the cracks spread farther or completely through the part. Rifle is not a safe queen, it is going to go hunting and will be exposed to the elements.

Thanks!

I use cyanoacrylate on those partial hand guard cracks. If it's a hair line crack I use thin cyano as it well wick into the crack. If it's open at all I use med cyano and clamp it. I wipe the surface with acetone to remove any traces on the surface of the wood.

I have done dozens this way and never had one open up. Works with English, American, German and Swiss wood.

Cheers MCB, never heard of that product but I will see if I can find some.

Finally got my Mag in the mail yesterday too so my project is now finished, as far as I want to go anyway. Looks much better with the proper pieces on there.

Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by madcratebuilder

I use cyanoacrylate...

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AKA "Superglue"

I use epoxy; I slightly open up the cracks (with help sometimes from precision flat head screwdrivers; acting as tiny wedges) and get some glue to flood the crack. Works well but the wood has to be free of oil etc.

Lou

+10 for madcratebuilder

Go with the "Super Glue" or cyanoacrylate glue that madcratebuilder recommended, Balsa Wood Model Aircraft (Radio Controlled Aircraft) use it to glue the balsa model together and you will not find a better method.

The super glue will flow and be absorbed by the surrounding wood on either side of the crack or joint and literally be "welded" together.

Below, balsa wood RC Aircraft wing with landing gear strut being super glued in place.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif

Three different viscosities.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif

Quote:

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Originally Posted by louthepou

I use epoxy; I slightly open up the cracks (with help sometimes from precision flat head screwdrivers; acting as tiny wedges) and get some glue to flood the crack. Works well but the wood has to be free of oil etc.

Lou

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A epoxy resin is the preferred adhesive. If I have a clean wood situation, not often, I well use it. I've never had good luck working epoxy into the tiny fractures.

I have about thirty rifles with hand guards and I would say about half have a hair line fractures or larger. You have to use a magnifying glass to really see them well.