Thread: Basswood

This is easy to find and easy to use. Any thoughts or history about using this for scales. How about some suggestions regarding best stains, sealers or finishes.
I read about epoxy resin, tung oil, and CA.
It would be good to hear some advice. I have three that need new scales. I've found the washers and brass at ACE locally and would like some advice on this.
Also, what are good resources for other scale materials?
Thanks,
Headdoc

Basswood would strike me as too soft for scales. However, it is not uncommon to use spalted wood that has been stabilized for scales or knife handles. Spalted wood is typically quite soft as well (partially decomposed). On the other hand, I don't think I'd go to the expense of stabilizing balsa. Very little visual appeal.

If you're going to make your own scales, my suggestion would be to buy some wood that has some beauty. After all, you really don't need much.

Just my two cents,
Ed

Rockler woodworking here has several different woods suitable for scales, and you can get pieces planed smooth at 1/8" thick by 1 1/2" wide, perfect for scales. A 24" strip will get you 4 sets of scales for less than $5.

Check their store locater, you may have one close to you.

Originally Posted by ForestryProf

Basswood would strike me as too soft for scales. However, it is not uncommon to use spalted wood that has been stabilized for scales or knife handles. Spalted wood is typically quite soft as well (partially decomposed). On the other hand, I don't think I'd go to the expense of stabilizing balsa. Very little visual appeal.

If you're going to make your own scales, my suggestion would be to buy some wood that has some beauty.

+1 to that! Basswood is really soft and I don't see it being worth trying to stabilize it with CA or anything before using it. Go with some other woods. I go to Woodcraft, but that's cause there's a store near me.

The first set of scales I made were basswood. Super easy to cut and shape. I used a light cherry stain and then teak oiled them (oil/varnish blend).

The were a first experiment in making scales and they have held up just fine over the last couple of months. Basswood isn't a particularily elegant wood and certainly not a good target for resale or long life but I picked up a small sheet for 3 or 4$ and made my scales in an evening.

The easy first success was nice.

- Bob