Thread: This should not be possible, black walnut burl end grain cut scales

Originally Posted by Seraphim

Since you will be putting epoxy on there anyway, why not use a layer of 4 oz fiberglass?
Epoxy has no real structural integrity in and of itself, but coupled with fiberglass cloth it will be bombproof!

Good thought. I think some 0.005" brass epoxied on would look really nice, too.
You've already met the challenge of making them without a liner, so now add the brass liner for artistic reasons!

Originally Posted by cannonfodder

At any rate, a backing would be the best way. Something like a thin brass plate or even a lighter wood like maple and laminate them together. That would actually look pretty nice, but I wanted to see if I could do it.

I agree that some form of liner is the way to go. Brass or fiberglass would be preferable. Maple sounds like a nice idea, but IMHO the thickness you'd need for it to make a difference would be too great. The Expoxy will help somewhat since the wood is acting as a matrix, but the strands are not oriented as well as they could be.

I would go for the brass liner, its thin, solid, one piece and looks classy!! It will also make the scales so much stronger at the pivot point and that will be absolutely critical.

I tried the brass liner on a set and really liked the look. Just realize that it adds to the weightof the scales and can mess with the balance.
Jerry

Simply beautiful....

Well, I got them finished and pinned. I skipped the backing and ran with them as is. The Epoxy impregnates the wood and adds some stiffness to it. I three pinned the scales and used a bloodwood wedge. It looks super IMHO, dark black/brown burl with the red wedge. No splitting problems, it went together nicely.

I sanded and polished out a Spanish point scalloped back 8/8 Henckels and mounted it in the scales. Looks like a million, I am very happy with it. I honed the blade last night. I did not have my memory card at home so I do not have any photos handy but I will get some posted later today.

Can't wait to see it,,,,sounds like a beaut.

Photos are grainy, sun is setting.

Good to see the scales didn't split in the pinning process.

That is a beautiful set of scales on a great looking blade. SHE'S A WINNER!!!