Thread: First time wood scale mistakes

I've finished and pinned my first set of scales and I've made some mistakes. These things are huge! This wood looked too good to keep sanding but I should have. I think I bent my pivot pin also. Other than that what do you guys think? BTW the blade is a Joseph Elliot, best silver steel, C+C that I picked up at the gun show for $35 with horn scales. I needed a big blade for the scales.

First I love the blade. Not too bad of a job on the scales. Nice shape. Maybe if they were not so thick. Instead of the curve on the outside I would have sanded them flat. That way you have less weight to the scales. Keep at it. You only get better with practice.

We usually learn more from what hits the dust bin than otherwise. They are not that bad but an invaluable lesson for sure. I think you are totally on the right track.

I think the shape and everything looks great but I'd agree about them being too big. Some people like them that way though. I personally hate "chubby" scales and try to make mine as small as functionally possible.

Nice workmanship
The scales look thick & oversized for sure but a good job was done

Not a bad first try. Keep going, you'll get there.

PS your pinning's good too.

Thanks guys. I knew this was the right place to go for some advice. I am filing down the pins now to take the scales apart. As I was filing I found the pins looked a lot better the more I filed. I may go with a flush with the washer look next time. I have another set of blanks that will start at about 1/4". I have a black walnut tree that was cut down so plenty of material to work with and mess up.

Nice shape on the scales. Aim for about 2.5mm 3/32" finished thickness on scales especially a nice hardwood like that. In terms of profile, use an old scale to draw a template then transfer that onto your material. There's plenty of advice in the sticky if you have not already taken a look.

By the way, I'm also from Birmingham - but the original one - so we are only about 3,000 miles apart if you ever want to come over to my shed.

Originally Posted by RezDog

We usually learn more from what hits the dust bin than otherwise. They are not that bad but an invaluable lesson for sure. I think you are totally on the right track.

Actually, I learn most from what I manage to fix

In this case, the scales are too thick, and also too wide.

My sister city. I would love to come see your work shop. Sadly I can't trust international travel right now. World is too crazy! I will keep working off the kitchen counter and the easing machine top for now.