Thread: How I make scales...step by step

Very nice work. Thanks for the description.

John

I have a question for folks that have played with various designs.

I am thinking of shaping a "set" of scales out if a single block of wood, then ripping the center for the space for the blade. My goal is to get the shape into something comfortable 1st. When I cut the center for the blade, I intended to start at the tang end and cut just far enough for the blade to fit without going all the way to the end. The final goal is to keep the scales solid at the end, eliminating a wedge or pin at the end of the scales. The shape I am looking at would be a squared vice rounded end to the scales to provide more material for stregnth.

Would this work (be strong enough)? I can't see why it wouldn't, but I don't know what I'm doing yet. I seem to remember seeing this in other designs, but I am sure there are pit-falls I can't identify to this design or it would be more common.

Thanks in advance!


v/r

Allen

I just picked upa piece of pre-cut 1/8" thick Wenge. It was like $5.49 at Rockler
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18557

As you can see, they sell lots of other type woods as well. I plan to cut out the outlines, and basically follow the above guidelines, although I'm formulating a plane that will not require a spacer at the butt end.

Originally Posted by RMC_SS_LDO

Would this work (be strong enough)?

Allen

Yeah, that's called one piece scales. Some guys do it. I don't really prefer doing it that way so I never do, but I have never heard that it doesn't work or that it's unstable.

Originally Posted by RMC_SS_LDO

I have a question for folks that have played with various designs.

I am thinking of shaping a "set" of scales out if a single block of wood, then ripping the center for the space for the blade. My goal is to get the shape into something comfortable 1st. When I cut the center for the blade, I intended to start at the tang end and cut just far enough for the blade to fit without going all the way to the end. The final goal is to keep the scales solid at the end, eliminating a wedge or pin at the end of the scales.

Before you go cutting out the shape of your scales........... cut the razor slot first! You will find it a lot easier and safer as well. I've done a few this way. Start with your squared block, cut or rip the slot. Then fill the slot with a piece of wood until you shape the scales. You can then remove your scrap piece of wood and do any clean up to the scales that is needed.

Thx for this post ,i want to replace the scales on my wapi this will be very helpfull.I noticed you are using 1/16 brass nails ,did u put a brass washer on the other side or did u just peen it as is with no washer. From what i read in some other posts ,was to get brass rod and washers but i was unable to find them in my area.I do have the brass nails ,i am a noob to str8 shaving i just want to remove the steel scales from my wapi before i accidently decapitate myself they are way to heavy.

Actualy these nail (steel brass finish) jsut serve to hold everything together during work. I use bolts and nuts from Microfastener.com.


Jacques
Laval, Quebec

Hi,

I just finished my first restoration. I followed your instructions and I think it came out great for my first attempt. I purchased a German blade with rust on it and cheap, thin, ugly plastic scales for under $10 on eBay. I made new scales out of Mahogany, cleaned up the blade and pinned it.

Thank you for your post. It helped me a lot.

I know there is a gallery where members can post pics. I stumbled upon it once but can't find it this morning. Can someone please send me a PM with instructions how to post my before and after pics.

Thanks.

Doug
aka. JetHed

The nails are only brass coated. They are a steel nail and very hard to peen over. They will typically start bending in the middle before fully peened. Stick with the brass rod or nut/bolt configuration.

I want to be able to print out the piece for my ''How To Files" but when I try about a 1/3rd of the print is cut off!! Is there a printer friendly version of how to make scales some were in the controls and buttons for me to use?? Would really like to get all the info. in print, I don't get a lot of time to review and read when I'm on this computer, thank you for your time, please you can contact me at my e address, which is : tinkersd@aol.com

Thank you much, from tinkersd of SRP!!