Thread: My workmanship? Or the material?

Ok, I need some help diagnosing this problem. I built these scales last week and just shaved with the razor today. About 3/4 of the way through my shave, I heard a crack and looked down to see that scale cracked by the pivot. I switched razors and then took apart the original one, to place it back into the old set of scales. When I took it off, the scales had also cracked by the spacer. Both cracks were at the pin hole. The thickness of each area was 1/8 of an inch.

Ive never had a set of my scales crack and just wondering if there was a reason that I am unaware of in the making of scales that could cause this. Or is it just that the scale material is too brittle ( they were made of Recon Stone from Masecraft). I'd love to hear from some restorers on this.

I've never worked with recon stone, it could be a problem material.
What size did you drill the pin holes?

Based on what I see it looks like pretty brittle material that needs to be supported; either that or you pinned it way too tight but I don't think that's the case... If u like the material but need it to be more durable try gluing it the a piece of .03" G10. That will give it some back bone and flexibility.

You cannot use Recon stone for scales. It is insanely brittle. It has no flexibility. take a piece in your hands and attempt to break it in half - it will do so with almost no effort.

Recon stone should be reserved for wedges - and if you do use it, make sure to drill out the hole larger than necessary.

Originally Posted by Undream

You cannot use Recon stone for scales. It is insanely brittle. It has no flexibility. take a piece in your hands and attempt to break it in half - it will do so with almost no effort.

You could probably be good with panels with a backing, like MOP, right?