Putting out a call for help needed

Here is the OP

I am doing a restore for Oldengarde. This weekend I think that the micarta has successfully kicked my butt.

I have it sanded to a good shape. I will post pics later, my camera is fritzing.
And now I need to finish it. I am just nervous that I do not have the right tools to do a good job for those here and for Oldengarde.

Please let me know if you are willing to donate some time to just clean this up for me.

Trust me I am happy with what I have so far and I think that micarta will remain on the back burner for me until I have better equipment. It is a unique setup and I think that the blade came out great.

If people think that the pics are fine and I should continue I will, but if they think I am totally screwing this up. Please someone bail me out.

thanks

SW

When it comes to scales and restores in general Maximilian, Gssixgun and Philadelph are all experts. If none of them see this thread you might shoot one of them a PM for advice. One of them can put you on the right track.

I see the thread but I am awaiting pics......

I know, the hands are willing, the camera is fritzing.

I can help as well if you need it!

As Promised.

I need a new camera, any thoughts on a replacement?

This is as good as I could get the blade. I hope that I did a good job for all.

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/r...rs/pics007.jpg

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/r...rs/pics006.jpg

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/r...rs/pics005.jpg

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/r...rs/pics004.jpg

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/r...rs/pics003.jpg

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/r...rs/pics002.jpg

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/r...rs/pics001.jpg

Please remember that this is my first attempt with Micarta so go easy on a dummy that thought it was easier to work than it is.

Might I just suggest that since they are something you're doing for somebody out of your kindness, how about just do new ones out of wood? this material is really difficult to work with, while you've done a lot of work I think it's at a point where anybody that could help at this point still has a good amount of work ahead of them to get it to the right level.

Also take Undreams idea of doing some paper layouts, if you're redoing them anyways look at the design, you will likely find one that you think looks better.

Red

Well.. you have to improve the scales design! and..if it is Micarta, in my opinion, why try to make it like it was "wood" ?- brown color + texture of Micarta material..; What was the Grit of the Sandpapers that you use on the blade? I'm doing my first restore..so far so good.. for the blade that it was in "good" conditions i sand it 1st with a 400 grit then a 600 and finnaly with a 800 before polish with Maas product.. but for the scales i will wait to have a lot of experience before i choose Micarta.. i will go for a diferen't material that it is like acrylic - differen't polymer-, but only because i have experience in working with it.
If i were you, i would go back and start new scales..its a lot of work i know, but you will improve! With the passion that you show..Im sure of it!!! :)
Ps - try to get also new pair of pins:
http://www.microfasteners.com/catalog/index.cfm
http://www.heimerdingercutlery.com/k...32f347d1ac3e7d

singlewedge, Tell me what you have used to get it to this point so far. I find that micarta is not much harder to work with than wood, but you need to right tools to do the job.

I don't know if its the camera but it looks like you haven't used any finer sandpaper than maybe 220 grit or a little higher. In order to get a good shine with micarta you need to go to 2000 grit and higher. The edges are rough too which tells me you didn't go far enough with the low grits as well. I am also not quite sure why it's pinned already when the scales aren't 'done'.

I would be happy to help with these if you need it.

Here are some black linen ones I just finished not too long ago:

http://www.chozick.com/images/shumate-done.jpg

I have only gone to 80 grit on the scales. And as far as the blade is concerned. I started at 60 grit and went to 2200. 4 times this way because of the damage.

I like the pins. What's wrong with them? So they are not traditional, is that a big deal.

I think the blade needs more work. I can see the sanding lines in the posted pics.

That being said, the micarta scales are too thick. IIRC, micarta is hard stuff. The scales can be thin and still retain alot of strength. Time to play with the belt sander some more ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by singlewedge

(...)
I like the pins. What's wrong with them? So they are not traditional, is that a big deal.

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You asked an opinion.. I was giving mine!

No offence. I was asking a question about your thoughts of the pins.

Apologies.

I have never worked with making my own micarta however I have used tons of acrylic and polyester resin in my line of work ( prosthetic limbs). What the scales look like to me is that the fabric was not saturated enough and it looks starved. Also the blade sanding can be a real PITA I know because I have rubbed till I couldn't hold the blade anymore.
I found that using pieces of wood that resemble the shape I am working on ( if it's curved I use a dowel or something flat I use flat) and I don't move to another grit till all the sand marks from previous grits are gone. I use lots of WD40 for sanding metal.
I know it's tough when your having a hard time and your working to make a nice piece for a friend and you want everything go right. I also know that you should learn from the mistakes you made and where you can improve. This is the process of learning and yes this is a craft but it is also an art.
Some of the people who do complete restoration I know have their " razor's from hell" nightmares and they have learned from those projects too.
Hang in there and review your process's and see where you need to improve.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by singlewedge

No offence. I was asking a question about your thoughts of the pins.

Apologies.

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Im not offended:)! The pins look good..but it could be better! - i have allways that perspective.."it could be better!" that what makes me improve in, almost:), everything i do! .. is all about "little" details!..and in the end everything have to work has one piece!
I just wanted you to know some places to get some different pins if you wanted to.
Before you think in replace those scales..try to give them a better shape with sand paper.
..don't even think in giving up:nono:!.. we are watching you:whipped:
:tu

Quote:

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Originally Posted by singlewedge

I like the pins. What's wrong with them? So they are not traditional, is that a big deal.

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I don't think there is anything wrong with the pins, but I don't think this should be pinned yet as there is more work to do especially if you are only at 80 grit. PM me if you need help.

Go back and re-read carefully the steps I told you to do in your original post. I don't believe you have unpinned these since the original post, have you? you have been working around the blade? I don't see how these will be able to be saved unless you unpin and follow my advice from your previous post.

Aquinin that shumate looks kick ass!!! great job!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Big Red

Aquinin that shumate looks kick ass!!! great job!

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Thanks!! I have alot more of these coming out here soon. I am finally able to make them fast enough to give reasonable turnaround times now that my little ones are getting older.