Thread: First set of scales under way

Ok, I finished my first set of scales. Look at it as a "proof of concept" exercise. I wanted to see what it was like to make the scales, and what to watch out for when I make scales for the better blades. I think I learned a lot from this first set of scales, and will be able to apply that knowledge to the ones I'll make in the future. It was also an exercise to learn to use the jig saw, and to examine the wood's properties.

The wood: Reputedly Sheesham wood.

The wedge: Plastic from an ice scraper.

The pins: The rods from pop rivets.

The collars and blade bearings: Zinc coated spacers I bought at an electronics store.

The blade: Horribly abused R.J. Roberts Sheffield.

I didn't polish the wood to any great degree, and didn't finish it in any way, since it's not going to be used for anything. I think it's polished to about 150 grit, so it's pretty coarse.

/Nicholas

Good Morning,

You seemed to have a quick turn over there making those scales last night. You are really into this which is a good thing! They look pretty good for a first run congrats! I myself wanted to get into making some scales and I think I will try it a bit with my uncle sometime soon.

They look like scales to me! Nice job!

I agree.

You should pop that blade off, finish off the scales (higher grit polish), rub some truoil or renaissance wax onto it (or both), slap in a purddier
Blade, and call it a day! Or, straight razor.....

C utz

They are not as nice as they look in the pictures, I assure you. Or maybe I just have very high standards, I don't know. Anyway, the scales are of uneven thickness due to my lack of practice with the jig saw, and the wedge is a bit off-center, so the opening along one side of the skales is wider than on the other side, which doesn't look very good. Those are things I will correct with the next set of scales.

I have a heap of the same wood to work with, and no shortage of other materials, so I'm pretty sure the other four blades I have will get better scales.

Nice job! I will be starting on my first rehab and re-scale project later this week. I hope mine turns out at least half as good!

Originally Posted by minstrel

Anyway, the scales are of uneven thickness due to my lack of practice with the jig saw

You can easily solve that with a file or a dremel / beltsander, followed by sandpaper.
I split the wood with a standard saw, sand it flat, stick them together with double sided tape and then take away wood from the outside until I have a nice symmetrical set of scales.

Originally Posted by Bruno

You can easily solve that with a file or a dremel / beltsander, followed by sandpaper.

I think those scales would be "waffer thin" if I tried that. They're pretty thin already, especially in the thinnest places.

Originally Posted by Bruno

You can easily solve that with a file or a dremel / beltsander, followed by sandpaper.
I split the wood with a standard saw, sand it flat, stick them together with double sided tape and then take away wood from the outside until I have a nice symmetrical set of scales.

Bruno, it sounds like you start with one piece of wood and make a "bookmatched" set. Is that correct? When splitting down the middle, how do you make sure each piece is the same thickness? You must use a saw with a very small kerf. What thickness do you start with, and how thick is each scale after the cut?