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

Very helpful, Jacques. Thanks! Though I can't say I've read every post on the forums, that's the clearest description of the process I've seen yet. And don't worry about your English skills - it's very clear what you're saying. I wish I could write half as well in another language.

can you post pics of you pinning those nails? i use the brass rod and want to see the end result of the nails.

vgod

WOW!!!... such a pleasure when you use your own hands to shape something just the way you want it.

Great work.

I use the same process, except I use a scroll saw, not a band saw. I also use a 1 1/2" Sanding drum on my drill press instead of a belt sander.

You get your wood from Langevin & Forest?

Oui c'est bien chez Langevin et Forest pour le bois. Ils ont un bon choix et j'y prend aussi les tiges 1/16 en brass.

I'll buy a 1½" sanding drum for my press drill, much easier for the inside curve I'm sure.

Where do you buy your nails or do you use rods?? The nails you see on the pic are for asssembly during making only, they are Stanley steel nails brass coated so to hard to penn.


Jacques
Laval, Quebec

I get my pins and washers from a local hobby store (Hobby Junction, Dorval). I'll be making an order from microfasteners soon though, it works out to be cheaper in the end. PM me if you want to split an order.

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

Great idea on the drill press sanding drum; I'm going to pick up a couple tomorrow. Thanks

So helpful and informative! Thanks so much!