Thread: Help getting started making Bone Scales (in Canada)

In my previous thread, someone suggested I make some bone scales, and I would like to try.

However, I've never worked with bone, and don't know where to start.

I have the tools and skills to make wood scales, but does anyone have any information, videos, or other advice on how working bone is different from working wood?

Also, does anyone have any tips on where I can track down some bone (preferably in Canada)?

I assume that I can't just go down to the local butcher and ask for a thigh bone... Can I? If so, how do I prep it?

Any help would be appreciated.

You can start with pre-formed (usually camel) bone scales. They come with a matching piece for the wedge and all you need to do is drill the holes and perhaps reshape or change the dimensions.

I think Griffiths sells them as well as other vendors on eBay and Etsy.

If you want a bigger challenge, you can purchase cured and cleaned marrow bones from most pet stores. I’m sure there are YouTube videos about prepping and carving the bones. You will need proper mask and goggles if you use a power tool.

If you cannot find a supplier of flat bone blanks you can go to a pet store. I buy dog real bone chew sticks. They are a section of leg bone. Make sure they are 6 inches or longer and flat as possible. You have to clean out center and scrub clean.
Then you can cut sections lengthwise. Sand (easier on belt sander) or grind flat to thickness you want and shape scales as usual. I also get bone wedges and spacers out o scraps.

I did the pet store bone to come up with a bunch of wedges.

PM sent
And some filler

Filler, filler, filler.

Maggard's is in Michigan and they do ship to Canada. Also guitarpartsandmore.com has a great selection at very good prices but again they are in the US also (Ohio).

I've done the dog bone thing too. Be aware there is a lot of waste as it is a trick to get a peice of cow femur long, straight and flat enough. I had to use two different bones to get a pair of scales but, as said, you can make a butt load of wedges/spacers out of the rest.

I'll second what bouschie said about the belt sander.

I'm thinking that Rez is going to hook him up with some slabs. I know a lot of us have gotten bone blanks from him in the past.

Thanks all! This is enough to get me started!