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My 1st ever attempt switching scales. I have limited resources living in a small-ish apartment in the city (no shop:boohoo:). So I read up a bunch, watched some vids and ultimately, my best resources were on this forum. That was a huge factor in my decision to pursue membership.
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I picked up a few missing pieces and unfortunately had to order some scales off everyone’s favorite auction site. The products I received were :confused: “iffy,” but usable. The hardware was in various conditions of corrosion so I employed on old gunsmithing trick. A little Simichrome on an old, trimmed brush for my fancy electric toothbrush made quick work of the tarnish problems.
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Here’s the finished product, pictured with the tools (sans sandpaper) I used. I learned several critical lessons on this job. Overall there were no critical failures and the work stands functional, so I’m calling it an overall success.
I put considerable effort into shaping up the camel bone scales. Sanding progression from 320-400-600-800-1500-3k left an outstanding finish. The blade is too small for this size scales and my drilling decisions are questionable. Also, the wedge is quite poorly finished. I received a micarta piece in the kit that I had to shape by hand with sandpaper. Pretty rough work but functionally sound nonetheless. Let’s just call it a “rustic” installation (lol).
I’ll end up switching these scales for something more appropriate and use these for another project I’m already looking forward to finishing.