Thread: re: scale shaping - how to make consistent beveled edges ?

Interesting post and something I too have thought about.

A high-speed spinning router bit and moving small, thin razor scale is a recipe for disaster or at least make me uncomfortable. Even a fixed held piece and moving router is problematic, and a routed edge is not a finished edge, it will still need to be finish sanded or scraped.

One thing you can do that offers a lot more control is to rough in the bevel on the belt sander or hand sand, then finish with a scraper. Many things can be used as scrapers, purchase read- made scrapers from woodworking suppliers or gunsmithing suppliers, Brownell’s.

I have been using single edge razorblade in plastic holders and thin dollar store snap off razor knives. I use them to refinish hand plane totes and knobs, they are very efficient on flats and tight inside curves, easily re-sharpened or replaceable, (pack of blade $1) and low cost.

I free hand scrape, but one could make a jig at a given angle, where the scale is held in place,(think shooting board) or a hand held scraper at a given angle in a wooden base, think molding plane. Use the jig for the finished edge after finish sanding. Neither needs to be that sophisticated, just hold the work piece and scraper at a given angle.

With a little practice, you can get very nice finished results with scrapers

Polishing is a difference issue.