Thread: Scale stock too thick

I use the belt sander. What ever you do keep it cool or you will make a banana shaped object :<0)

Thanks for the help, guys. I will probably end up using the belt sander, too. However, it seems that it would take hours, and that the dust will be ridiculous.

I use a shop vac to eliminate dust problems. A lot of tools come with dust collecting hook up. Although I would still wear a mask or at least a bandana or something to keep that out of your lungs. Helps with the stink too :<0)

Rough grit, tub of water, and dry the horn unless your belt is okay with water.

Originally Posted by Christel

I managed it by making a jig and cutting the blank down using a fine Japanese pullsaw - it was fiddly but it worked in the end.

I like this idea a whole bunch. If you find the time could you post a pic of the jig you put together? I have some wood and some horn that I would like to try it on.

I take the stock and put it in the middle of 2 thicker pieces of wood so it will stand square on the long end. I put a couple strong clamps on the wood holding the stock in the center and run it slowly through the scroll saw to "split" it. The scroll saw blade is very thin so there is not much waste, just be sure the tension on the blade is tight to keep it from wandering.
I have done this with horn and expensive hardwood.

Mastershake, that's sounds very do-able. Just wondering, what kind of blade do you use to cut the horn?

Originally Posted by tintin

i have a bandsaw to use but i still prefer to rip scales by hand. i scribe or draw a line down the center all the way around, cut down about an inch at an angle and then flip the piece (still cutting from the same end) and keep doing this 'till done. this helps keep it accurate as well as making it a little easier since my saw isn't cutting the whole width of the piece all the way down.

Are you holding the stock in a vice when you do this?

Whatever method, please use a very coarse blade with a good set to clear the cut of dust.
~Richard

Originally Posted by randydance062449

I like this idea a whole bunch. If you find the time could you post a pic of the jig you put together? I have some wood and some horn that I would like to try it on.

Sure thing!

It's nothing special, just a flat piece of plywood and two guides that are fixed with double sided sticky tape. Clamp the blank down and use the guides to cut - not hugely fast but it's very cheap and does the job. With a very fine pull-saw, you can just lay it flat on the guides and pull with one hand, while the other presses and holds it flat to the guides.





I've cut down 8 honey horn blanks with this set-up so far and I can't complain. Hope this was what you were hoping for - if not, just ask and I'll see what I can do.

Thanks for the pics and the explanation. I had imagined the horn being sandwiched between the 2 pieces vertically and a vertical cut being made. Now I see that the guides are actually horizontal thickness gages and the saw cut is horizontal.

Now see what you did? you gave me more ideas!