Thread: Not All That Happy

We are our own worse critics Mr Smith.
I think it came out very nicely. Some are front heavy, some back heavy, just like cars. But tighten up the pins and I bet she grows on you..
Nice looking Elliot!

I too would like to know what you used to carve out the inlays..

I used a drill bit and a pin vise. Then used a dremel carving bit to widen and flatten out the holes. They are just dots so didn't need to do anything fancy.

Originally Posted by MattCB

Instead of playing with the scales you could try a denser wedge material. A lead sinker for fishing is easily enough repurposed.

Personally, I prefer nickel silver wedges to lead ones (even though historically lead seems to have been much more common). I find that lead loses its lustre quite fast, unlike nickel silver, which is close to the density of lead. It's a bit harder though, so a bit more difficult to work with. But not much.

That is why I started using cerrobend. It seems to shine up brighter than lead and stay that way longer. It is also soft enough to easily work with. That and the fact that I can melt and mold it at low temperatures.

Originally Posted by JSmith1983

That is why I started using cerrobend. It seems to shine up brighter than lead and stay that way longer. It is also soft enough to easily work with. That and the fact that I can melt and mold it at low temperatures.

This is the first I hear of it, it sounds useful indeed.

Originally Posted by JSmith1983

Well I finally got around to making a set of scales for this one and I am not all that happy with it.

Man ......... You're not happy with those ! I'm glad I ain't working for you ! ...........

Originally Posted by Pithor

This is the first I hear of it, it sounds useful indeed.

It was also known as wood's metal, but the newer stuff is slightly different. It melts at about 160 degrees.

What I understand from reading wikipedia for two minutes is that it is considered somewhat toxic and skin contact should be avoided (it is mentioned that this is mainly when in its molten state, though). But I assume you know what you're working with and how to avoid mishaps.

And one should be plenty careful with regular lead as well. With anything, really. Vapours and dust are usually to be avoided, anywho.