Thread: First try at making scales

I started with a log and 4" grinder..

Last night at work I had some spare time so I grabbed a branch of a tree that had been knocked down/removed. I already had some ideas and drawing of what I wanted to do. No proper wood tools, So I just cut one side off with a hand saw to give me a flat surface to put my paper template, I then used the saw and a 4" grinder to get a basic shape. And ripped down the Center ! Then used the bench grinder (for steel) to smooth out the pieces. I have gone over with some hand sanding. Next step will be finding a belt sander to get the two sides flush

Question 1 stain or oil and keep the original wood look?

Question 2. The timber is green does it need to be dried out??

It does need to be dried. It tends to move around when it dries, depending on the wood that could be anywhere from hardly noticeable to crazy. The pieces are small though so it is doubtful on the crazy part. Oils or wax is often a good finish to keep it looking natural. If you put the two sides together with double sided tape it makes it a title easier to get a perfect match as you finish shaping them. Rubber cement is also used by some of the guys here for the same purpose.

Thanks rezdog

If the wood is green it needs to be clamped in place until Dry IMO.
Putting a finish on green wet wood is not the proper way.

Pixel so if I clamp together while it dries it will reduce warping ?

Originally Posted by ashtray83

Pixel so if I clamp together while it dries it will reduce warping ?

When the wood is dry and stable,future warping should not be an issue if finished properly,bottom line is you should not work with green,wet wood.
The pces above I would let air dry for a couple weeks,clamped in place.