Thread: Scales

I initially sand the blanks, to remove the saw marks, and burnt wood. Here's what the block of wood looks like after cutting the blanks. Can't tell what it looks like.!!



Sanding away the gunk, reveals the grain in the wood.



I then glue the blanks together, trace my design, then cut them out, smooth out with sanding drum. That's first.!

If I'm making flat scales, I'll separate them, and thin them individually.
"Always mark the inside of each scale, that way you won't get confused, and sand the inside of one of your scales. Dead flat!! That's what you want for proper fit of the wedge and blade.

If I'm doing rounded scales, I leave the scales glued together, and sand everything with my sanding stick wrapped in 60 grt. for initial shaping. Then move up in grt. for a smooth finish. Then a final sand with steel wool, and a wipe with a tack cloth.




As for washers for doming, I get mine at the local hardware store. They have a selection of micro screws, nuts, waders, ect. Don't remember the sizes. The collars the go under collars, is too small to dome, and notice.

No you won't need the flat washer under the collar, for bone, and plastic, but its a good idea with wood. It'll keep the edges of the collar from cutting/sinking into the scales.