Thread: Another rescale, another lesson learned

I scaled my 5/8 Cattaraugus in sumac with a black walnut wedge, finished in wax (third homemade set of scales I've made; second three-piece). It's nice, but I had a couple of sanding issues. Still, it's the best three-piece set of scales I've made.

Each time you do a set you're going to learn something. That's what I love about it. I've never made a perfect set of scales, because each one has a small flaw that taught me something. The other half of the battle is learning how to fix the flaw

I think you're doing well, considering this is your third set. Your wedge is nicely tapered....which took me about 30 sets to learn how to do properly and consistently.

If I may make a suggestion: After you've roughed in your scales on the sander/hand sanding/dremel, try to bevel your sides. Begin at a 45 degree angle, and then taper in both directions until you have a smooth curve. Don't try to get it perfect, that's what 220 grit sandpaper is for.

The beveled edges will help make the scales look smaller and will also take off some weight, helping with the balance.

I hope it was ok for me to give my two cents, and again, I think you're doing really well. Keep going!

Your comments are more than welcome. Thanks, I appreciate it!

I agree with Maxi that they're looking better every time. Keep up the good work!

Very nice job!! As soon as I get my workspace back I only hope to do a re-scale as well as yours came out!!!

Keep up the great work, gives hacks like me incentive to keep trying.

Most Sincerely, tinkersd

Great effort! +1 on the 'roundness' mentioned by Maxi - doming scales really does take them from 'crafted' to 'sculpted'.

As Maxi said the more you do the better you get, i think the biggest mistake we all make when we start to make our own scales is we all make them far to thick, but saying that the learning curve will prove invaluable in the future very well done.

Jamie

I love the wood grain. It really pops out.