Thread: Scale material

No where close to having to trash. I run my iron without any protection to the iron or scales, but I also edge and with it too so it’s not doing clothes, ever. I set mine to the low end of the steam function setting. Just heat for a little bit and check it. You will get a feel for it. Always good to start below where you feel you may do damage and go from there. I keep a flat piece of wood or mdf and set it on top of the scales after heating. I wait about 4-5 minutes for it to cool. If your going back and forth a lot the wood gets hot and you need to wait longer and longer for things to cool. I’ve successfully used two pieces of flat steel too to the same effect.

Ive tried steaming them too but the iron is easier and seems to work better overall. Hot oil isn’t something I have tried.

I already gave it a go. before reading the reply's. It didn't over heat but I think I used to much weight because it flattened that so much the it changed the finished size on one of the and it still didn't get the bow out. I now give up on this set. moving on to the next one

Don't trash them yet though. Set them aside and come back to them later. I can't tell you how many times I thought a project was ready for the garbage and then salvaged it days, weeks or even years later. As you learn more things you also get more confidence, plus sometimes you just need to sleep on it to get a clear new perspective. You're doing fine though. Don't give up on them yet.

You may need to heat both sides, then bend/flex the scaled back n fourth to break the memory in the fibers.


I use no protection from the iron, just a flat surface.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

Don't trash them yet though. Set them aside and come back to them later. I can't tell you how many times I thought a project was ready for the garbage and then salvaged it days, weeks or even years later. As you learn more things you also get more confidence, plus sometimes you just need to sleep on it to get a clear new perspective. You're doing fine though. Don't give up on them yet.

I will keep them but for now I am moving on to something else. Maybe a another set of wood scales since wood is such a pleasure to work with it.

Good idea, why frustrate yourself. As you build experience and confidence, circle back later you’ll have much more patience for it.

A bit late to the discussion here, but I did a big thread on all sorts of tricks you can do with horn a while back over here.