Thread: Stopped by this place on the way home

Didn't realize I had one in town. Lots of nice tools and things. Plus lots of wood for pen blanks and much larger pieces too. I picked up these while I was there...

Padauk. It has a bit more orange color to it than the pic shows.


And this block of Bocote. I figure I can get 6 scales out of it. Enough for three razors.


Now, I'm not really sure what way to cut the Bocote. With the flats of the scales like pic one, or like pic two? Opinions? Going with pic one, I will get a lot of grain showing but with pic two, I'll get a lot more odd shapes from the grain. The guy at Woodcraft said to slice it like pic one.

Anyway, I now have enough for four more set of scales. Not that I was in need of more as I got some stock as it is, but I just couldn't walk out without something. So what is your opinion? I don't think there is an issue of strength as this stuff is heavy and hard. But, what do I know?

BTW, The Botcote is coated in wax. Thats what you see in the pics.

Wish I had one in town! That would be handy--looking forward to seeing the scales that come out of these

What made you check them out?

They have 1/8" boards available in some of the woods.

Woodcraft has lots of great unique wood species AND an awesome selection of toys (tools). I love that store!

Originally Posted by Gasman

Now, I'm not really sure what way to cut the Bocote. With the flats of the scales like pic one, or like pic two? Opinions? Going with pic one, I will get a lot of grain showing but with pic two, I'll get a lot more odd shapes from the grain. The guy at Woodcraft said to slice it like pic one.

Anyway, I now have enough for four more set of scales. Not that I was in need of more as I got some stock as it is, but I just couldn't walk out without something. So what is your opinion? I don't think there is an issue of strength as this stuff is heavy and hard. But, what do I know?

For the Bocote, I like the looks of pic two for the flat. That look is more unique, BUT, just looking at the pics, it looks like that look comes from viewing the grain end on. If that is the case, it seems like there would be a strength difference and that would be the weakest direction.

Take all that from someone who has done ZERO pair of scales. Which means I've never been wrong on a pair of scales.

Although two is more interesting, I'm still favoring one. Your scales though! Do you have enough material to do it at least bone set both ways? What do you use to cut blocks into blanks? That is part of what keeps me from buying pieces like that.

Did you see any of these large acrylic blanks like this. My store only has pen blanks.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/a...-2-x-1-1-2-x-6

They also have a good selection of hones

All I have to rip it up is a table saw and that makes for a lot of wasted wood. But it gets the job done. I do have a scroll saw, but I'm not too sure it would cut this stuff and it definitely wouldn't cut it straight. Wish I had a band saw. So, if I was to cut out blanks in both directions, I'm not sure I'd have enough.

I did see some 1/8" thick pieces but they were warped and I didn't want to have to mess with that issue too.

They did not have any acrylic pieces long enough. Everything was cut for pen blanks and they must have had a thousand pen blanks. A little too short for my liking.

I was told they were located in a different part of town and wasn't getting much business, so they had moved to this location 4 days ago. So they were still setting up the store. I can see it's going to be a nice place to buy blanks of exotic woods that my normal source might not be able to get. I might go back down there next week and request a bit more options for the sizes I want. Never hurts to ask. And see what they would charge for ripping with a band saw for me.

I'd still like to hear from others on what way to cut up this block.

I do like pic two, Jerry. But my reply would be the same as Diboll, if its across the grain it will likely split or break. But who knows, cut a piece and see, I guess.