Thread: Source for imitation Abalone

I'm looking for a source for imitation Abalone. Anyone have a suggestion?
Thanks,
Karl

Masecraft is the only place I am aware that sells something close to what you are looking for.
ALVS Acrylic laminated shell veneer sheets

They also offer LVS abalone

Welcome to Masecraft Supply Co. - Since 1980 Exotic materials from around the world!

Check out what the Duke of Pearl has. Try to use the real stuff, if it is affordable for you. Good luck.

they sell it at Grizzly tools as a vineer as well as places like Stewmac guitar shop supply. they aren't imitation from Stewmac but rather a lamination. Not sure about Grizzly.

Shell Veneer from Aqua Blue Maui - Mother of Pearl, Abalone
I really like the look of their Red Abalone but it is a veneer...

There is some neat stuff at Mudhole.com. It's a custom fishing rod building store.

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They ALL sound like great places to look into. This is why it is sooo important to have a forum for hobbies! Later everyone.

Originally Posted by Clayglen

There is some neat stuff at Mudhole.com. It's a custom fishing rod building store.

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I have been wanting to try making a set of abalone scales for a long time, but the "real" stuff, even the LVS veneer blanks from Masecraft, are grotesquely expensive in the thicknesses we need! But I have an idea after watching this guy's rod-wrapping video: Shopping
What if I got a set of this GreenHeart veneer (seems more like a decal, but supposedly real abalone?)? It's 4.75" by 5.5", so maybe long enough for a set of two scales if the blade is not too long. I then use their boiling water method (watch the video) to adhere the veneer to a sheet of black acrylic of appropriate thickness (obviously being VERY careful of bubbles!). I then cut and shape my scales (with maybe a beveled border of black acrylic to set off that abalone). The guy recommends and epoxy coating in the video, so I coat it with the clear epoxy as some do on here for scales.

Do any of you experienced hands think this would work? I would be willing to try it if I though I could save a lot of money and still come out with a gorgeous set of abalone scales, even if they are more acrylic and epoxy than actual abalone. What say the experts?

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

I have been wanting to try making a set of abalone scales for a long time, but the "real" stuff, even the LVS veneer blanks from Masecraft, are grotesquely expensive in the thicknesses we need! But I have an idea after watching this guy's rod-wrapping video: Shopping
What if I got a set of this GreenHeart veneer (seems more like a decal, but supposedly real abalone?)? It's 4.75" by 5.5", so maybe long enough for a set of two scales if the blade is not too long. I then use their boiling water method (watch the video) to adhere the veneer to a sheet of black acrylic of appropriate thickness (obviously being VERY careful of bubbles!). I then cut and shape my scales (with maybe a beveled border of black acrylic to set off that abalone). The guy recommends and epoxy coating in the video, so I coat it with the clear epoxy as some do on here for scales.

Do any of you experienced hands think this would work? I would be willing to try it if I though I could save a lot of money and still come out with a gorgeous set of abalone scales, even if they are more acrylic and epoxy than actual abalone. What say the experts?

I've been thinking of something similar. I wonder about the compound corners though. I wonder if it would mold... Boil it then press it with a high density foam perhaps.
What about laminating it to brass stock?
I've been pondering adding some decals to scales. Gold lettering perhaps. There were guys on the rod building forums that did custom work.
I'm thinking of trying self leveling epoxy for a finish. When the gotta do projects are thinned down.

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