Thread: Using a dremel for scale shaping?

So I've got some (mainly wood) blanks for SR scales, but haven't had time to do much with them, partially since I have only hand tools. I am planning to pick up a dremel for use on some laptop projects (refitting a screen onto a laptop &c.), and wondered if I should just get the cheapest dremel I can find, or whether a more expensive one could be useful for things like shaping scales and so on. Or is a dremel not a good tool for this purpose?

I would forgo the dremel for making scales.

For a very basic set up to make scales I would get a coping saw, 4 in 1 rasp/file, pin vise, and sandpaper.

I use a dremel very rarely (I had one anyway, it was NOT bought for razor specific tasks), coping saw was used by me until I got a band saw, I still hand sand, to finish.

I have a dremel, and use it a lot, but not for scales. I would recommend one you can vary the speed.

For scales a coping saw, my carving knife, and sandpaper is all I've used lately.

Oiled walnut, rock maple combo wedge/fin.

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I would personally not use a Dremel hand held for making scales. There is a router table specifically made for Dremel that would allow using both hands on a flat surface to grind to shape. They go for about 35 dollars. Not all Dremel models work with it. I have one of these tables and it works well for me.

The cheapest rotary tool I've seen is at Harbor Freight but it has almost no power. They do have a variable speed rotary tool now but I haven't tried it.

My most used scale making tool is my scraper. It is of course intended for us with wood but it does horn scales like no ones business but bone not so much. Seeing as how wood is your material of choice scape away!

Originally Posted by RezDog

My most used scale making tool is my scraper. It is of course intended for us with wood but it does horn scales like no ones business but bone not so much. Seeing as how wood is your material of choice scape away!

I agree scrapers are great tools.

Get a multi speed dremel. sanding attachment. Circular saw attachment.

Besides cutting them out on a scroll saw, I prefer to sand them by hand. Its so easy to screw up a 1/8" thick piece of wood with power tools, and don't think I could get the level of finish, that's achieved by hand sanding.

Many thanks, all, for the very helpful discussion. It sounds like dremels may be of somewhat limited use for scales.

For those recommending scrapers - any suggestions on particular ones, or desirable characteristics in a scraper for scales?