Keris handle

Interested Party · 9th May 2021, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Firstly sometimes keris handles do get fixed fast to the blade in a traditional manner. Usually when that is done a natural resin such as damar was used. Fortunately damar will release fairly easily by gently heating the blade. The resin softens and the pesi (tang) can then be removed and remaining resin can be cleaned out of the pesi hole in the hilt.
The same thing can be done if epoxy has been used, but removal will be more difficult. However i would not assume that the entire assembly has been ruined just because epoxy has been used. It will just take more time and patience. What will destroy your ensemble's dress is if you try to rush the process and force the hilt off.

David, or anyone with an opinion on the matter; what is a good heat source for this process, espically for dealing with epoxy? I have thought of heating sand to 325 F (160 C) in an oven and immersing the blade in this medium. Then I could locally warm the sand around the blade with a torch as the medium cools. I have 3 projects of this nature I would like to amend. One need a mendak, another a cup selut. The third the conservator just did an awful job on. Any advice is welcome as always.

A. G. Maisey · 9th May 2021, 11:15 PM

I believe I can claim to have something more than average experience in removing hilts from keris, pedang & other items of tosanaji.

Whatever heat source you use it is advisable to limit the application of heat to the first few inches in front of the gonjo, hilt or guard, and heat each side of the blade alternatively.

The most simple heat source is a candle, works well, leaves soot on the blade which is easily removed with mineral turpentine.

A step up from that is a small kerosene lamp, same thing with soot.

These two heat sources are what I use when I am in Jawa.

At home I use a propane torch, I clamp the hand-piece of the torch into a bench vise & I pass the blade section through the flame and hold the blade with bare hand an inch or so in front of the area I wish to heat, by doing this I can gauge when the heat is travelling too far down the blade, then I just wait a minute or so before proceeding. I use a pretty gentle flame. remember, heat will damage the hilt, I hold the hilt close down to the mendak, if I'm not careful with heat placement I get burnt, and I've had more than my fair share of burn experiences, I do not like getting burnt.

Lately I've been using a heat gun. I tried heat guns years ago and I found that the hot air spread too wide and was too difficult to control. Two years ago I bought a modern heat gun and with this I can apply the hot air pretty precisely.

As you apply the heat you keep testing the degree of hilt adhesion by firmly twisting --- or at least attempting to twist --- the hilt, you twist and pull in the one motion.

Above all else, you proceed gently & with patience, if the hilt does not free up on day one, you keep coming back to it until it does.

Mickey the Finn · 28th June 2021, 08:55 AM

David, I offer you my apology for the hostile and belligerent post. It was scurrilous, over the top, and totally inappropriate.
A pissing match was nowhere on my radar screen.
Mickey

David · 29th June 2021, 12:40 PM

No worries Mickey. It's all good.

asomotif · 3rd July 2021, 02:13 PM

Is Surgi still here ?

David · 3rd July 2021, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asomotif

Is Surgi still here ?

I don't know. It was the only post he ever made on any of the forums.

JeffS · 7th July 2021, 03:45 PM

For clarification, after wrapping a pesi with cloth or string how does avoid having the wrap from pushing up the pesi as the handle is pushed on?

28th June 2021, 08:55 AM	#3
Mickey the Finn Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 90	David, I offer you my apology for the hostile and belligerent post. It was scurrilous, over the top, and totally inappropriate. A pissing match was nowhere on my radar screen. Mickey Last edited by Mickey the Finn; 28th June 2021 at 08:57 AM. Reason: Clarification; additional information.

9th May 2021, 11:15 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,755	I believe I can claim to have something more than average experience in removing hilts from keris, pedang & other items of tosanaji. Whatever heat source you use it is advisable to limit the application of heat to the first few inches in front of the gonjo, hilt or guard, and heat each side of the blade alternatively. The most simple heat source is a candle, works well, leaves soot on the blade which is easily removed with mineral turpentine. A step up from that is a small kerosene lamp, same thing with soot. These two heat sources are what I use when I am in Jawa. At home I use a propane torch, I clamp the hand-piece of the torch into a bench vise & I pass the blade section through the flame and hold the blade with bare hand an inch or so in front of the area I wish to heat, by doing this I can gauge when the heat is travelling too far down the blade, then I just wait a minute or so before proceeding. I use a pretty gentle flame. remember, heat will damage the hilt, I hold the hilt close down to the mendak, if I'm not careful with heat placement I get burnt, and I've had more than my fair share of burn experiences, I do not like getting burnt. Lately I've been using a heat gun. I tried heat guns years ago and I found that the hot air spread too wide and was too difficult to control. Two years ago I bought a modern heat gun and with this I can apply the hot air pretty precisely. As you apply the heat you keep testing the degree of hilt adhesion by firmly twisting --- or at least attempting to twist --- the hilt, you twist and pull in the one motion. Above all else, you proceed gently & with patience, if the hilt does not free up on day one, you keep coming back to it until it does.

29th June 2021, 12:40 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,051	No worries Mickey. It's all good.

3rd July 2021, 02:13 PM	#5
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,221	Is Surgi still here ?

7th July 2021, 03:45 PM	#7
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 309	For clarification, after wrapping a pesi with cloth or string how does avoid having the wrap from pushing up the pesi as the handle is pushed on?