Reading through the post on the restore section we have a lot of very talented scale makers. Looking through these as a newbie brings one major question to mind.
"What makes a good set of scales?"
I'm not talking the fit and finish, thats important but is also pretty easy to determine, this is directed more towards the design. I know that some would say "because I like them", ok but that doesnt provide a full answer.

So I would like to pose this question to any who have made scales or have an understanding of the process.
How do you design a good set of scales?.
How do you balance them or determine the balance point?
How do you decide on the shape and change the balance if necessary?
How do you decide on the material and how do you decide on the finish for that material?

Or, is there a Secret Society of Scale Makers that I need to acquire the password and the secret decoder ring for?

Thanks,
Bob