Thread: question about making horn scales

I learnt alot form this video.

Way back when I started with using Rubber Cement

I find it easiest to use and easiest to clean up, but it could just be that after 13+ years at it I am just used to it

I guess that I’m the odd one. I don’t use double sided tape, but I think that it’s a good idea. I simply just don’t keep it on hand. Instead I cut my scales oversized. Clamp them together with vice-grips and then drill my two holes. Then insert the temporary pins and remove the vice-grips. I already have pin stock on hand, so I guess I don’t see the need to buy tape. It would be my guess that a similar technique was used before the invention of double sided tape.

It is easier and more precise to do all your layout Shape, wedge and pin placement, on paper then glue the paper to the scales with rubber cement. Measure your pin placement, so the pins are centered.

If you use dual wedge pins and or glue the wedge in place you can not adjust the pins, if the razor does not center in the scales. Test fitting with bolts will tell you if you have an issue. Once you pin it and the spacer is glued, you are committed.

Vintage razors never glued in wedges, Measure some vintage razors pin placement, they all used similar measurements for a reason.

You want to bond the scales together for drilling the holes and for shaping, so the two scales match in size, thickness, and shape. Holding them in your hand when shaping, can tell you more than how they look , if they have a pleasing thickness and smooth shape.

Some scales and razor are pleasing to look at, but are terrible to hold, strop and shave.

Flat, thick, clunky scales are a pain to strop. If you are just drilling holes, I guess it does not matter. A roll of Scotch double stick tape is $1 at the dollar store.

I use low temp hot glue from a glue gun. It dries quickly and scrapes of easily. I use it a lot in my business for gluing transponders in shell keys. Especially the RHK keys break A LOT so you may have to remove the chip again and again. Low temp holds well but breaks loose easily.