Advice on metalwork for scales needed

[Chady]

I've been talking a bit to a jeweller about having something done with scales. Either its going to be a pair of scales made of solid metal or just an inlay/bolster thingy.

If I end up going with scales I think that I could give him a pair of scales so he has a shape to copy and then do some work to make it a bit more intricate.

However, with a bolster or inlay I'm having some trouble figuring out how to have it done as I'm not at all certain that he will know how "sink" the metal into the wood or ivory (a bolster is afaik held tight with some type of adhesive and the pin that holds the scales so thats probably out of the question).

If anyone knows how to do that with either wood or ivory and have time to comment I'd be happy. Also any thoughts about making full metal scales are greatly appreciated.

Checking posts to see if I can find a tutorial about it atm.

[Akady]

Do you know what kind of metal you are thinking about using?

As for the inlay, you have to carve out the area you want the metal in and then insert it with either epoxy or you can use a rivet on the bacl side. then you file it down till it is flat. If you are god enough you wont have to use epoxy or rivet and it can fit all by its self. I would think that if he is a jeweler he should know how to do an inlay with stone and then to go to metal is not much harder.

[Chady]

I was originally thinking of having it done to ivory scales. But as I have no idea of when they will be done I believe it will probably be some type of wood.
I know I said jeweller but he is actually a goldsmith himself. But have to admit a certain lack of knowledge on the two professions in regards to what they do themselves (which probably also varies a lot from person to person).

Next time I have a talk with him I'll see if he seems confident about it if not it will probably end up with being solid metal, seeing as how having an inlay or bolster done will involve de and re-pinning.

Thanks btw )

[Akady]

what kind of metal were you thinking for the inlay?

[Chady]

Either gold or silver

[bbqncigars]

I've done some silver as well as brass inlay into wood. The silver was into cocobolo, whilst the brass was into oak and cherry. Some of the brass was a fix to my sister's bar top that had 1" x 1/4" thick brass inlaid on the perimeter. The original epoxy did not hold, and some of the brass had lifted. I gently removed it, silver soldered some small flat head brass screws on the back and used clear two-ton epoxy under the brass and around the screws which went into matching holes. The silver was a monogram inlaid into a pipe bowl. Very difficult to match the curvature and get a good tight fit. I used the same epoxy on the silver. All of the inlays were cleaned with acetone and the back lightly 'scuffed' with a small rotary bit before final placement. Inlaying the silver took a huge amount of 'cut and try' using a magnifying visor to get the fit right. It takes a lot of patience and steady hands. I don't have the desire to do something like that again.

Wayne