Overall; what is the easiest, fastest, and most durable material to use when making scales and then installing them on a razor? From the base raw stock. If you choose wood, what specific finish?
Thanks,
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Overall; what is the easiest, fastest, and most durable material to use when making scales and then installing them on a razor? From the base raw stock. If you choose wood, what specific finish?
Thanks,
Nothings faster than the acrylic plexi-glass scales made from the sampe pieces from Colored Plexiglass sign colors translucent plastic samples I can have a pair of these knocked out and mounted in about 20 minutes.
Shooter is absolutely correct gotta +1 that.....
No material is tops in all 3...Quote:
Originally Posted by Sticky
It's like asking what the fastest, most rugged and luxurious car is.
Quote:
Originally Posted by floppyshoes
This is the one time we disagree
He never used looks as a qualification, so without having to polish it the plexi/acrylic is the Easiest , Fastest, and most Durable...
Now if you want it look perfect, then I agree with Dan as usual, in that each material has different merits :D
I sorta' meant: if you had to pick a compromise that possesses those 3 primary qualities in varying ratios.
Just as good would be to pick the material that leads in each category. If acrylic plexi-glass leads in "fastest", what would be near the top in "durable"?
The samples in the link posted above are 4" by 6" --- so if you're not making "mini" scales, how are they meeting the "fast and easy" criteria? :thinking:
Sorry, but I've got to agree with Dan lol. I think plexi/acrylic is extremely lacking in terms of durability. It cracks easily, scratches easily, burns easily... No one golden material.Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
At the top of the 'durable' category in my mind it will be any kind of micarta/G10/carbon fiber.
I've just read a data sheet that states Isopropyl alcohol tends to promote crazing in acrylic, as it does in many transparent plastics. Many straight users tend to clean with it (as do I).
I'm starting to lean towards Micarta, linen or G10, unless I find some reasons not to. I used to build RC models using epoxy fiberglass laminates that stood up well to hot nitro/alcohol fuels with nary a problem.
I vote for Corian.
DuPont Commercial Surfaces – Your vision. Our surfaces.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...indings-3.html
If the design is kept simple (two sides cut out of thin stock, a spacer and two pins with washer), it can be a quick job as well. No hassle with epoxy or CA.
Bart.
Ebay Joseph Rodger's. From delivery to shaving in 24 hours. Scrap black lexan. Not my best work:hmmm:, but quick. I've put that material into a metal brake and made 90 degree bends that STAYED at 90 degrees without cracking. It is a P.I.T.A. to sand and polish though.:Dhttp://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b3...rodgers004.jpg
I think if you look at the original post the acrylic plex-glass meets two out of three categories Sticky asked about. I think you could also throw in a fourth cheapest once again acrylic meets that criteria also. Now if you don't take care of your scales than yes not the most durable but thru normal use, wear and tear not so terrible.
Polycarbonate…
-Almost as fast to make scales as Acrylic.
-It is durable (wont crack under normal use, resists more chemicals than acrylic, flexible, waterproof as-is, easier to work than most other “Hi-Tech” plastics, high melting point
-Relatively cheap (for the clear).
-The most common (and cheapest) Polycarbonate is transparent, and if artistic, you can finish with any color (grain type finishes will require some ingenuity).
No one mentioned basswood. This is available at any hobby stores in 1/8 thickness. It cuts quickly, sands smoothly, drills easily, and can be ready to go. You can rub Formsby on it if you want to make it a bit more waterproof and it is ready to go in a few hours. It can take other easily applied finishes if you want to enhance the appearance. The weight is good and the result is a good soft feel of this scale.
JMHO
Headdoc
I think because you can snap it in two pretty easily. "The wood is light and soft with generally low strength properties and a poor steam-bending classification."Quote:
Originally Posted by headdoc
I have some razors that need scales and, since I'll be keeping several of them, I'm leaning more toward "durable" than the other categories. Linen or canvas Micarta is easily found in 0.125" sheets and is the top contender right now. I'll try some of the hardwoods, too. I may try the Lexan polycarbonate. The old model-making skills should transfer over to making scales (hopefully...:D).
Thanks for all the answers to date.