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

Originally Posted by floppyshoes

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Uh...

Bad math, but nice scales. I hope they hold up for you.
Maybe rub some viagra on them, I hear that's a good wood hardener.

Not really, I know 2/16ths is 1/8th, just wanted to see if anyone would catch it. That is like $0.95 each or 4 for $5. You would be surprised how many would get the 4 thinking it was a deal.

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. Normally I seal the scale backs with urethane but I am going to light coat epoxy finish these for the added rigidity. My experience with resin suggests it will work out. After all, you are essentially gluing the wood fibers together with high strength epoxy. The end grain cut should allow the epoxy to penetrate the wood even deeper than usual. Hopefully it will work out, if not the next set will get a backing, but it was worth a try.

I checked them this morning, looking good so far.

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....