Thread: What basic tools do I need to cut and shape wood scales?

Here is a page I made awhile back. http://simianstats.com/monkey2/page1.htm I wanted to make the page after reading so much about power tools and there virtues. Power tools definitely make things easier but not necessarily more fun. After all you are making scales for a straight razor. I enjoy the use of hand tools.

Charlie

Handtools are going to be my route as well. A more powerful dremil may be in the works as well when I really get into this. Till than the cordless will have to do.

Originally Posted by spazola

Here is a page I made awhile back. http://simianstats.com/monkey2/page1.htm I wanted to make the page after reading so much about power tools and there virtues. Power tools definitely make things easier but not necessarily more fun. After all you are making scales for a straight razor. I enjoy the use of hand tools.

Charlie

Thanks for sharing that link. Even I can follow that.

I lost my Bill Ellis CD and can't get another due to a self imposed austerity program (saving money and spoilage until I head to Vegas in October ). This link will keep me busy for a long time. LOVE the pink pearl sanding block.

Originally Posted by spazola

Here is a page I made awhile back. http://simianstats.com/monkey2/page1.htm I wanted to make the page after reading so much about power tools and there virtues. Power tools definitely make things easier but not necessarily more fun. After all you are making scales for a straight razor. I enjoy the use of hand tools.

Charlie

Now here's a useful link! Thanks

Charlie,

This page is incredible. I think I'll be following your directions step-by-step for my next set of wood scales.

How long would you say the process took, if you don't factor in the finishing? I see several steps in there that look like they'd have saved me a bunch of time...

Thanks for sharing!

Josh

I made a set of scales this morning. I had glued them with the paper earlier in the week. It took me about 2 hours to go from cutting them out to peening. I used a piece of birch for the wedge. The wood is black palm. I used a thin coat of shellac and bees wax for the finish.

Charlie,
I remember the original post that you did on that and have been referring to it ever since...thanks for linking it! By the way, you know how much those hand drills are going for new? Man! I couldn't believe it when I looked a couple of them up...anyways, nice work!

-Pary

The egg beater style drills are pretty pricey new, but they are pretty reasonable on eboy. Drills are like razors, the ones collectors want go for much more than they worth. A perfectly functional non-collectable drill can be had for very little with a little waiting and looking.

Charlie

Charlie, another question... How do you ensure that the holes you drill will be straight? I tried eyeballing it a few times and the results were OK in some cases, but not in others.

Josh

It is just muscle memory, eyeball it straight on, shift your body and try to look at it from 90 degrees. If it is perpendicular on both axis you are there. After awhile it becomes second nature. Your eyes are better than you think. You can also set a try square by the drill and use it for a reference, but I think it is better the long run to get used to looking closely and trusting your eyes/judgment.

Charlie