Thread: Replacing scales

Okay. I'm not posting this to brag but merely to honour my promise to post some pics of my 'first effort'. (I've been looking at some of the 'masterpieces' posted in 'Custom Builts and Restorations' and I'm fully aware that I've still got things to learn). Essentially I've used materials that I could readily lay my hands on. I also apologise for the quality of the pics - they were a bit rushed.
The wood used is an Australian eucalypt ('Southern Mahogany') - chosen because I grew it, milled it, and because it's a reasonably resilient and springy timber, even when cut thin.
The pin I made from brass welding rod - mainly to suit the smallest washers that I could buy locally. I realise they look a bit too chunky. Next time I'll import some more delicate and specialised hardware.
I didn't use a wedge. Rather I shaped the 'spacer' into both ends of the scales, then glued them together. So, the brass escutcheon pins used there are 'fake' - merely for aesthetics.

That's fine work for a first try. I wouldn't apologize for that at all. I like the wood. It has a nice grain to it.

I like them!
I'm also a little jealous that you can grow eucalypt.

The important thing is that they work and that you like them.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

I like them!
I'm also a little jealous that you can grow eucalypt.

The important thing is that they work and that you like them.

Australian eucalypts thrive in New Zealand - although, because there's more than 700 different varieties I can't say all of them do. In fact they grow faster here (in a more temperate climate) than in their native habitat, just as they also did/do in California.

Originally Posted by Phanta

Australian eucalypts thrive in New Zealand - although, because there's more than 700 different varieties I can't say all of them do. In fact they grow faster here (in a more temperate climate) than in their native habitat, just as they also did/do in California.

That has a very nice color to it. I'm assuming that is just either naked or with clear on it and no stain is that correct?

Here is an example of that ancient southern live oak that I mentioned before.



That has no stain. Just three coats of clear

Nice work Phanta-Does it close okay without biting into either scale? Looks like it might have to be guided (as occasionally a few of mine still do, no big deal as long as you are aware of it).

I was/am fascinated by your beautiful Eucalyptus trees (or Gum trees as the Aussies called them) when we were driving around the South Island about this time last summer (your winter). I will never forget driving through a few sleepy villages and smelling gum tree fires from people's homes-just an enchanting smell. Those pine trees with the giant cones really blew me away too-beautiful country you Kiwis call home.

Paul, I like your Live Oak scales as well.

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Nice work Phanta-Does it close okay without biting into either scale? Looks like it might have to be guided (as occasionally a few of mine still do, no big deal as long as you are aware of it).

I was/am fascinated by your beautiful Eucalyptus trees (or Gum trees as the Aussies called them) when we were driving around the South Island about this time last summer (your winter). I will never forget driving through a few sleepy villages and smelling gum tree fires from people's homes-just an enchanting smell. Those pine trees with the giant cones really blew me away too-beautiful country you Kiwis call home.

Paul, I like your Live Oak scales as well.

It pretty much slips in between the scales okay at the present time. When the camera battery charges up I'll see if I can take a couple more 'explanatory' shots.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

That has a very nice color to it. I'm assuming that is just either naked or with clear on it and no stain is that correct?

Here is an example of that ancient southern live oak that I mentioned before.



That has no stain. Just three coats of clear

It has only clear polyurethane on it - out of a spray can.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

...

Here is an example of that ancient southern live oak that I mentioned before.



That has no stain. Just three coats of clear

Though I am not often a fan of wood scales on razors, I have to say that looks really good.

Thanks Monty. I love this wood. It stands up like a big skeleton in the woods. This is what the logs look like.



It's not easy to work with. First of all as you can see it is not something you can cut planks out of with all the crazy cracks and twists. Also it is so hard you will smoke a 10" carbide saw blade with it. I have a cabinet shop professional table saw and it makes me nervous cutting it. One because it's treacherous and two because it bogs the motor so much. I have started using the band saw and just let it take the 10 minutes to cut a piece. Here's another set I made from it. I thought it fit well on this blade with all the patina.