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

The title pretty much says it all. What are the minimum and most inexpensive tools that I will need to cut and shape high quality wood scales? I would like to invest the least amount of money as possible while still being able to make high quality scales; I don't really care how much longer it takes at this point (as long as it is reasonable) as I am only going to be making scales for a few razors now. Later on I will probably be willing to buy or find more tools, but I am just trying to find out what I NEED. I am guessing that I will need at least some type of hand saw to cut out a rough outline of the scale (maybe something that would cut pipe); then a dremel with some type of attachment to further shape the scale before finishing it by hand. Am I at least on the right track? I should be getting the wood pre-cut into scale blanks, so that should cut down some of the time and tools that I will need right?

Thanks,
David

Coping saw for sure.. You'll need sandpaper of various grits (up to 1000 or 2000 if your'e really anal). A drill with a 1/16" bit. That's the bare minimum. A belt-sander would be of huge help. A vise or even better, a drill press would be nice to have.

Anything else that would be real nice to have? Is there a dremelpiece that could help in shaping the wood after the coping saw, or is a belt sander the only option?

Dremel will definitely work. I think that's all that Josh Earl used. A fine rasp will shape wood quicker than just sanding. Vise with wooden jaws is nice to have.

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.