Any ideas for bolster repair?

[imported_azjoe]

I have a Boker razor with a bolster that appears to have been "squashed" in a vise... perhaps a previous owner's attempt to tighten the pin? It is unsightly and the "tree" portion of the bolster, which has been curled up from the scale, catchs on everything (shirt sleeves, counter tops, etc.)

Assuming I remove the bolster, it will be easy to bend the tree portion to fit, but what about the dents and dings? What techniques can be used to "pound-out" those imperfections? Hopefully it won't look like my last attempt at automotive body and fender work (which fortunately was hidden by bondo and paint)...LOL! Am I better off just looking for a junk razor with a good bolster to salvage? ...joe

[uthed]

I think you have to ask yourself if the result is worth all the work involved. It may be if the scales are particularly rare and collectible. Few are, however.

My approach plan may look like:

1) Remove both (all three?) pins to completely remove the scale.

2) Using magnification and dental picks, separate the decoration from the body of the scale

3) Using a special steel block with machined universal curves cut into it (about $400) tap out the dings slowly

4) Reassemble, repin using as close to the original pinning method as possible

[randydance062449]

Just a quick comment... I have not done this but just for your consideration....

1. Remove the bolster
2. Flatten the bolster
3. Measure the thickness of the bolster material
4. Go to a hobby store and buy some brass or aluminum or etc stock of the same thickness
5. Take the old, now flat bolster, and trace it onto the new metal stock
6. Cut out the new piece
6a Drill holes in new bolster
7. Epoxy the new bolster to the scales

Something like that

[uthed]

Until you got to "epoxy" I was right with you ..... but I make a bigger mess of things with epoxy than I fix usually. Besides, have you priced the jeweler's saws you'd need to do that with? Ouch!

[randydance062449]

Hey David

No, I have not performed that operation. It was just something that came to mind as I read his question. I agree with you about the Epoxy being messy. The jewelers saws are not a tool that I have yet, looks like I will need to get some....(more toys!
)

[uthed]

Hey David

No, I have not performed that operation. It was just something that came to mind as I read his question. I agree with you about the Epoxy being messy. The jewelers saws are not a tool that I have yet, looks like I will need to get some....(more toys!
)

Here's a link http://micromark.com/

Just type "jeweler" in the search box

Or better yet:
http://corporate.marketworks.com/sto...px?sfid=102022

[randydance062449]

Thanks David!