Thread: Duplicating Scales

Hi Guys!

Well I posted about my relatives grandfathers razor here:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ery-razor.html

As you will see I’m 99.9% sure that the scales are celluloid and will eventually break down and ruin the blade! Hopefully the tail is coated in Bakelite and it could remain.

While I agree that the scales are not original (there is a factory pin at the toe and a hand made pin at the pivot) is there anyone out there who would make new replica scales out of a more stable plastic??

I’ve seen the posts about doing it but I’d hate to attempt to do it for the very first time on a set of heritage scales!!!

They are in ‘perfect’ condition and should mold and replicate very nicely!!

Before going forward my cousin is consulting with other family members and was wondering if I could give him an estimate of what it would cost to make replica scales in as close to original color would be.

Any offers, references or any other kind of help would be very much appreciated!!!

Thanks!



Roy

You could make a silicone mold of the originals and cast epoxy resin with red pigment or dye.

The hardest part is getting the backs to come out nice with that type of casting.

Originally Posted by HNSB

You could make a silicone mold of the originals and cast epoxy resin with red pigment or dye.

The hardest part is getting the backs to come out nice with that type of casting.

I have done lots of casting and molding, and the backs are not that hard you can use a self leveling resin, you can set a thin metal plate on it or you can just over poor and sand it down.

Originally Posted by jdoc

I have done lots of casting and molding, and the backs are not that hard you can use a self leveling resin, you can set a thin metal plate on it or you can just over poor and sand it down.

If you would consider tackling the duplication, please send me a PM!

Thanks!

Roy

I do a bit of casting for my other hobby (warhammer 40K). I do a fair bit of making bases for the models.

The cast should not be that hard to do. There are a lot of tutorials for it online. The hard part will be selecting the correct resin to make the final part in. You can get all sorts of grades from flexible through to rigid brittle resins.

For the mold I would use a silicone liquid. Split the scales and glue them to some hardboard just slightly bigger than the scales. Then glue that to the bottom of a tight fitting container. If you don't want to use glue you might be able to get away with pins. Then you just pour the mixed silicone into the corner of the container very slowly and let it envelop the scales. You can use some release agent on the scales as well, but I don't know how that will react to the scales.

Once the silicone has cured you break the container so you can pull out the silicone part. If the pour went well you should have a good mold to work with.

The resin bit is easier and harder. You have to mix the resin without getting air into it. You then need to pour it without getting air into it. The hardboard section you used on the mold making will give a natural step inside the mold. It'll also give you your sanding point when it's cured.

I've almost exclusively used Polycraft for doing this with my models.

Polycraft GP-3481-F RTV Silicone Mould Making Rubber 1.1kg Kit Shore A27 | eBay

Polycraft SG2000 - 1kg Fast Cast Polyurethane Liquid Plastic Casting Resin Kit | eBay

Signal Red Pigment For Polyurethane Casting Resins, Plastics & Foams 100g | eBay

Hey Guys!

I’ve visited the sites that show how to make the molds and then pour the polymers into them and then extract them.

I’ve even researched about how to use a vacuum pump to remove any air bubbles so that the cast is perfect!

I’m probably asking for the impossible and that is if by chance there is an experienced member with lots of casting under their belt if they would be willing to make replicate scales for a valuable heirloom razor.

If this wasn’t an heirloom, I’d invest in the materials and give it a go myself!

Any Help Out There??????

As I originally posted, any links or recommendations to someone who can help would be very much appreciated!

Wouldnt a nice red poly pearl do for replacement?

Originally Posted by souschefdude

Wouldnt a nice red poly pearl do for replacement?

Can you provide/make it?

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Can you provide/make it?

POLYESTER RED PEARL

I am not experienced and really busy at the moment or I would offer. I have done some metal casting and it is really not that hard. You could find another pair of scales just like that on the bay and use those to make a mold. You will not ruin those scales making a mold but to be safe that's what I would do. If it where me I would leave what you have on there and just watch them close. You could put them in a plastic bag and check for smells to see if they are rotting now. Keep them out of water and heat and keep an eye on them. If you get another set of scales that match you could take some chances on who ,without unpinning your heirloom.