Thread: Pivot pin alignment

I've been making scales for a couple of years now and thought I had it down pretty well - however, just lately I've had a few blades that don't centre properly, and they all veered towards the show side. Initially I just thought this was a run of bad luck but have since re-considered just how I go about shaping the scales and at what stage I drill the pivot and wedge holes.

My normal method is to take a single piece of material down to size, cut down the middle then use double sided tape before cutting and sanding to outline shape. I then start the body shaping and when happy that this is looking OK - that's when I drill. The reason I leave until this stage is in case I decide to adjust the profile - I don't want the pin holes off centre.

The problem seems to have co-incided with a period where I've been shaping both the pivot and wedge ends quite severely - that is, sloping the scales so that the ends are slim. Despite being careful to have the scales flat when drilling I guess that even a slight rocking will mean the the hole is not at 90 degrees and could be causing the problem.

Does anyone have any comments or tips?

Thanks, Rob

I know your problem and have been there and likely will be there again. There are two possibilities that come up right away. The first is that the tang isn't straight. I drill my pivot hole before I shape or separate my scales. I shape and separate the scales and dummy them onto the blade with a nut and screw. I move them back and forth on the wedge getting everything centered. I get the wedge shape and position and hold it ion place using two sided tape. When I am happy that all lines up and centers like it should I remove the blade and lay out the location of my wedge hole. I drill in half way from each side. I then finish shaping and polishing my scales and then assemble. It is a lot of messing about but seems to work for me. I do have a hunter razor that is still on the bench. A bent tang and very stiff scale material is a bad combination. Good luck. If you need more clarification on this let me know.

Yea, I would check for bent tangs on the ones you are having trouble with. IIRC there are work arounds involving using different washer set ups to compensate for that if that is the problem. You can also cold straighten the tang but you take a good chance on snapping the razor and have pieces flying around.

Bob

Originally Posted by RezDog

... I get the wedge shape and position and hold it ion place using two sided tape. When I am happy that all lines up and centers like it should I remove the blade and lay out the location of my wedge hole. I drill in half way from each side. I then finish shaping and polishing my scales and then assemble.

Shaun thanks for this tip - I'm unsure as to exactly you position the wedge and then drill from both sides - does that mean you've already drilled the scales and, if so, how do you ensure the hole in the wedge meets?

Originally Posted by BobH

Yea, I would check for bent tangs on the ones you are having trouble with. IIRC there are work arounds involving using different washer set ups to compensate for that if that is the problem. You can also cold straighten the tang but you take a good chance on snapping the razor and have pieces flying around.

Bob

Thanks Bob. I've been through the work arounds - what I was trying to do is ensure it's not me that's creating the problem in the first place.

Originally Posted by UKRob

Thanks Bob. I've been through the work arounds - what I was trying to do is ensure it's not me that's creating the problem in the first place.

Does that mean that the tangs are bent? If they are bent I doubt that you are creating the problem. OTH if the blades are straight then yes you may have a problem.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Does that mean that the tangs are bent? If they are bent I doubt that you are creating the problem. OTH if the blades are straight then yes you may have a problem.

Bob

There were too many for me to think is was co-incidental that they were all poor tangs or spines - that's why I had a re-think about how I go about drilling the pivot and wedge holes. I guess even a minor tilt when drilling the pivot - when multiplied across the length of the scale, can result in a problem even if the tang and spine are perfect.

Check the Blade first, Before you ever start the build..

Two things I always check first!!!!

1. That the bevel has good steel

2. The Blade for a straight Tang or a warped/twisted spine (same test)


here

http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...eld-steel.html



If you check first that way you know whether it is your build or the razor that is causing the issues and it is easier to fix, regardless of technique. that you end up using...

I drill the scales at this stage Rob then I get the scales to where I'm happy with completed shaped and finished only then will I part the scales, as long as the tang is true and your pinning is correct then I've never had a problem, because the scales stay together basically from start to finish they are true clones of each other and your drill holes will match up perfect.

Originally Posted by UKRob

There were too many for me to think is was co-incidental that they were all poor tangs or spines - that's why I had a re-think about how I go about drilling the pivot and wedge holes. I guess even a minor tilt when drilling the pivot - when multiplied across the length of the scale, can result in a problem even if the tang and spine are perfect.

Please you, but it might be worth a check anyway just to be sure. In any event I would do as Jamie illustrated, pre drill at the roughed out stage before any final shaping/contouring is done. Seems to work for me barring any wonky blades.

Bob

Bob and Jamie - that's the conclusion I've come to - at least for the pivot anyway. I know my scales are flat after profiling so that's when I'll drill from now on. The pivot I'll leave until wedge fitting.