Thread: What are you working on?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

If you are using a true 'wedge, you must tighten the bottom good and bend the pivot together to pin at the top. I use scotch tape to hold it together.

I predict you will at least lose that pointed end after a bit and round the top of the scales off shorter.
looks a bit not stropping-friendly?

I did do some stropping with it assembled as is the points didn't bother me. But if it becomes a problem a little sandpaper and elbow grease will round them a bit.

I think I get what your referring to with the tape. So, pin the wedge firmly. Then tape the pivot end of the scales together and pin. Correct?

Originally Posted by RezDog

It’s hard to sand a wedge very flat. By nature they tend to have i very tiny crown. I always get mine flat with a file. If you are really good with a file you can make them concave ever so slightly. I’m not there yet, but keep working at it. The concave will also help the wedge snuggle into the scales. After most of it is finishe you can tap the edges to get the to bulge a wee bit and snug up as JP5 suggested.

I've been filing/peening the wedge, but the surface is not too smooth. With the scales being translucent I'm considering taking a checkering file to the lead and making a uniform pattern. I'm not sure how that would affect the stability of the wedge in the scale with a reduced surface area in contact with the scale.

Originally Posted by JellyJar

I did do some stropping with it assembled as is the points didn't bother me. But if it becomes a problem a little sandpaper and elbow grease will round them a bit.

Sorry! It was just a prediction.
But HEY! What do I know? Everyone knows I don't make scales.
That is kinda catchy!
New sig?

Originally Posted by JP5

Did you say your pivot washers were causing a gap?
Others will have better advice, but I would suggest leaving just a little extra on the outside edges of the wedge so if there is a gap between the lead and scales you can try to tap the lead and get it to fill the void. I would ask someone more experienced before trying though and risking damaging those scales. Nice job by the way!



Also, update on the firehose project. I may have ONE section completely clean soon. I think detergent is all that is coming out in the water now so I will have to add a little vinegar to the water to help get it out.

Thanks, I'm pretty pleased with how they're turning out. Thanks for the tip on peening the edge to fill a void. I'll save that for a last resort, I'd hate to take two steps back with a cracked scale.

Originally Posted by JellyJar

I've been filing/peening the wedge, but the surface is not too smooth. With the scales being translucent I'm considering taking a checkering file to the lead and making a uniform pattern. I'm not sure how that would affect the stability of the wedge in the scale with a reduced surface area in contact with the scale.

Lay a big bastard file on the bench and clamp it down. Rub the wedge lightly in the cutting direction. The lead will clog the file if you push too hard. A file card is handy.
Take precautions. Gloves, wash hands. Tossable material underneath.

Works for me.

What a BASTARD!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Sorry! It was just a prediction.
But HEY! What do I know? Everyone knows I don't make scales.
That is kinda catchy!
New sig?

No worries about the points if I didn't want opinions, I wouldn't post. I wanted to try something a little different, the edges are rounded and quite smooth. If it bugs me I'll change it.

Hat's off to you doing it!

Despite not having made scales, I do have some experience with them.

Wotta claim to fame, eh?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Lay a big bastard file on the bench and clamp it down. Rub the wedge lightly in the cutting direction. The lead will clog the file if you push too hard. A file card is handy.
Take precautions. Gloves, wash hands. Tossable material underneath.

Yeah, started filing clogged my file something fierce. I'd clean it out with a wire wheel on the dremmel, but I don't want it going airborne. I've been having good luck with putting it on a piece of 80 grit and sanding with 150. It bites into the 80 grit enough to keep it from moving around.

I'm around lead a fair bit for my job, there is a liquid hand soap designed to wash lead off. Works pretty well with hot water. As long as you don't inhale it or eat it you're pretty safe.