Thread: Warped Scale Material (Alternative Ivory)--How to Straighten / Flatten

I ordered some alternative ivory through Masecraft. The sheet is warped. Fortunately, I ordered it thick enough that it will get sanded down, but I'd nonetheless like to start out as flat as possible. What is the best way to reduce the amount of warping and flatten out the material before cutting to make scales? I did a search but didn't immediately come across anything for this type of material. As always, thanks!

How warped is it?

Most material is not perfectly flat. If you make your scales thin enough to flex and use a proper wedge the scales will be in tension, keeping the scales from warping on the razor.

Heat and storage, may be an issue, I buy from Masecraft often and store all my material flat, with out issue.

It's warped enough that I would prefer to start out a bit straighter, but can probably get by. I do plan to sand down thin and place a proper wedge.

I inquired with Masecraft and Carol suggested setting it out in the sun to relax the material. If that doesn't work, will storing on flat surface with a weight on top take out or reduce warping?

Originally Posted by jseitz

It's warped enough that I would prefer to start out a bit straighter, but can probably get by. I do plan to sand down thin and place a proper wedge.

I inquired with Masecraft and Carol suggested setting it out in the sun to relax the material. If that doesn't work, will storing on flat surface with a weight on top take out or reduce warping?

It should.

Jseitz,
all good mate I have the same material the Imitation Ivory in 1/8" 3mm sheet
it is weird stuff to use, I found when I make scales from it, it reacts a lot like a natural material, when wet sanding it seams to soak the water & get flexible then dry stiff again
I got the 3mm ivory, tortoise & MOP in the A4 size sheets delivered to Australia from Masecraft & all are flat still after 6 months plus, I do store them all in a tub on my G10 & other flat sheet materials
I would say it could be heat / cold so try the warm place & see if it relaxes
or rough out the shapes & tape them back to back with a stiff & straight material between them & warm water dunk the same as horn
my first set of scales I split a pivot just like ivory doing washerless pins

but it is a nice materials to use & sands easily

With plastics heat will help. I would cut into smaller blanks then use heat, hot day on hot cement, hairdryer, heat gun or steam, then put in a vice with flat MDF battens. Let it cool and see how it is.

It is what I do with horn, which has a tendency, to warp when cut into thin blanks or scales. While I have not use the Alternative Ivory, I have use a lot of the polyester tortoise. It is a little more flexible than acrylic but looks and works very well.

As said once pinned in place under tension of a wedge, I have had no problems.

Originally Posted by Substance

Jseitz,
all good mate I have the same material the Imitation Ivory in 1/8" 3mm sheet
it is weird stuff to use, I found when I make scales from it, it reacts a lot like a natural material, when wet sanding it seams to soak the water & get flexible then dry stiff again
I got the 3mm ivory, tortoise & MOP in the A4 size sheets delivered to Australia from Masecraft & all are flat still after 6 months plus, I do store them all in a tub on my G10 & other flat sheet materials
I would say it could be heat / cold so try the warm place & see if it relaxes
or rough out the shapes & tape them back to back with a stiff & straight material between them & warm water dunk the same as horn
my first set of scales I split a pivot just like ivory doing washerless pins

but it is a nice materials to use & sands easily

Good to know! The material itself looks great, so I'm assuming that it produces a nice result. I shall be careful!