question about making horn scales

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to makes scales for the first time ever. I chose to work with horn instead of wood, and I'm kind of regretting it now. But I'm into it already so I may as well keep going, it's not the end of the world if I botch it up.

Anyways, my question: On all the threads and videos I've checked out, everyone uses two-sided tape or carpet tape to stick the two scales together. Is there any reason they couldn't be glued together, especially since the scale template has already been glued to at least one side?

This isn't about saving money on two-sided tape, I'm just curious and can't find an answer anywhere....

Thanks!

I think the answer is that two sided tape is probably much easier to work with than glue would be. TBH I have never used glue but would be concerned that it would slip, or would harden, or be messy. Double sided tape works really well. You can even find it in clear scotch tape vice the thicker carpet tape where a little piece on both ends works best. Just my thoughts on this. FYI, Austin

You need to be able to tske it apart so glueing might not be best. I too use the double sides scotch tape. Its thin and peals off easy enough when your done with it.

I have used white glue and heavy card stock. It is effective in holding everything in place. It comes apart and cleans up quickly with some hot tap water and soap. However, it does need quite a bit of time to cure ahead of time. I am not so good at planning when I’m going to make a set of scales. Double sided tape is available for scale making all the time and requires no curing. I use the heavy carpet tape, and it peels quick and easy with a little WD-40. It is now my go to system.

Put masking tape on the insides of the two scales. Place a few drops of CA on the tape and press togethet. Ready to go

You can also use rubber cement but that takes some curing time.

Do not glue them together.

Thanks guys, I think I have my answer!

I never thought about the curing time, that would certainly make a difference.

I need to go to the hardware store anyways, so I'll add 2-sided tape to my list.

I line them up and put them in a clamp. Shape bottom edge then flip over in clamp and do top edge. All that's left is to round over edges to desired thickness by sanding and polishing.

Another vote for scotch double sided tape, cheap, quick, and more than strong enough to hold scales together while cutting, shaping, and polishing a set of scales of any material. A single edge razor blade easily gets them apart, WD40 removes any residue.

I have use Yellow, & White glue with a sheet of paper between them, Blue tape and CA glue and carpet tape. They all work, but double-sided Scotch tape is the way to go.

You may need 2 strips, just do not overlap them.

Don't forget to drill your pivot and wedge holes while it's stuck together and still flat and parallel.
Mike

This is probably the easiest to work with and cheapest. Attachment 320415

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibLVApyDgjc 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 :p

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.