Thread: First two sets of scales.. and question about assembly order

I have a few blades that need scales and a host of hard woods to choose from. Sadly, I really don't like the look of wood scales, but I need to practice on something..

First two sets... The first from Yellow Heart. Not a hard wood by any stretch, but I have a ton of it and it's easy to work...



Once I got a rhythm I did a second set in Blood Wood.. A serious hard material.



Actually has a lot more red to it, hence the name. Iphone doesn't do a great job with white balance.

These are destined to go on a blade I restored a while ago and I am going to use a white Corian wedge.



I am thinking of finishing the Blood Wood with either CA, epoxy resin or a product called Craft Coat..the stuff used to cover bar and table tops.

Here's the question. The wedge needs to final sized. When do I do that? If I do it before the scales are finished, the tolerances won't be as tight as I would like, because the finish is going to add some thickness. If I wait until after I finish the scales, I am vulnerable to dinging or scratching them as I final size the wedge. Or should everything be finished and pinned before I do the final fitting of the wedge?

Some glue the wedge to one side on the scales usually the back one finish and fit everything at the same time..

That is the easy way,

I have never been a fan of glued wedges so I do it a little different

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I have never been a fan of glued wedges so I do it a little different

Cliff hanger.... LOL!

very glad to see,as a scale maker,you actually made a real wedge instead of a spacer,and thin scales to boot,They look very nice.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

very glad to see,as a scale maker,you actually made a real wedge instead of a spacer,and thin scales to boot,They look very nice.

Thanks... Next set can be thinner for sure. My tools are a bit oversize for small work, so I have to rethink things a bit. Any suggestions on the question I posed on order of finishing the scales and the wedge?

Looking good Michael.