Thread: Question About Shaping Scales

I'm planning on making several sets of scales for different razors. I've been able to shape the set I'm working on pretty evenly, but I thought one of you may have a better way.
What is the best way to round (and/or slope) the edges of the scales so that it is consistent around the scale and matches its' mate?

Thanks

Mini router with a small round over bit.

I do them both together as on piece by hand after initial shaping.

I do it initially using a sanding drum but finish contouring by hand to ensure they are, more or less, even all around. Be careful with any mechanised sander that you don't remove too much material.

Good point above and one I forgot to add - I always keep the scales taped together when profiling - this helps keep them regular both sides.

Best to do it by hand IMO

Well, when the scales are still stuck together, in order I :
- Define the rough shape with a fretsaw
- Have long strokes with a rotating sanding paper on the dremel to even out the shape and set the bevels roughly
- Finish with sand paper

As for having the same thickness, but a smaller one than the original wooden piece, I tape them both side by side and use a gentle hand on the belt sander.

Charlie Lewis has a great video on making scales that I just watched yesterday. lewisrazors.com

It depends a bit on what I am shaping, I start with a very coarse file and then medium and then fine, then 400 grit. If the material is very hard and slow going with a file I start on the belt sander or drum sander.

I should have mentioned I have an electric drill, rotary tool, B&D mouse/palm sander, and sanding block.

I watched the Lewis video a few days ago, it was very helpful.

While I don't have a router, I've been wondering how well a router would work on the edge of such thin material. They are made for creating consistently shaped edges in wood though, so it seems like they would work well.

A makeshift guide to keep you sanding at the right angle and something concaved the correct the right shape to put the sandpaper on would be helpful.

You can get a mini lift table that will clamp to a work bench. You can mount your rotary tool in it, get a mini router bit set for it and wala, perfect/even shaped edges every time then hand sand to final shape/form. I have made hundreds of sets this way. I just finished up 8 nice horn scales. You can sand, and with practice get them very even but when you have to make a dozen sets at a time, the mini router gets the profile set in just a few moments.