Ron, sorry for the slow response. The only thing I used epoxy on was the skews and the depth drill. I drilled a pilot hole in the blank first then turned the handle around the pilot hole. When I drilled the hole for the gouge the bit followed the pilot hole.
The stock I used for the handles was kiln dried about two or three years ago. I kept the stock in the house for a couple of weeks before I turned the handles. It is more humid in my unconditioned shop than in my house. That should help to maintain a snug fit. Hope this helps.
Enjoy your new gouge. I really like mine. I also think that Doug Thompson is a great guy and I plan on buying more tools from him in the future.