Thread: the making of a wedge

ok guys this is something i am having some trouble with i can make a good spacer. thats pretty easy to do. but trying to get a good bevel seems to be to much to handle. so can all you master wedge makers give us a good idea on how to do this. if you could include pictures that would be over the top. thanks again guys

Depends on what tools do you have...

I use sandpaper glued to a flat surface such as a sheet of glass (the same glass I use to lap my hones), and rub one side of the wedge until I get the taper. You may want to use sticky tape turned backwards on your finger to get a good hold on the wedge (seen that in one of Bill Ellis’s videos... I think he uses a disk sander). Then rest the finger in the center and the tapered side gets flatter, once the side is flat you will have a wedge. There is no angle to measure, but should be right when test fitting if the pivot end clear the width of the tang by about ¼” or so.

Also, I don’t work with wood, but I would assume you cannot get away with too much angle when working with wooden scales as you can with plastic… plastic is more flexible.

Just make sure you angle it steadily; if you take the work away from the sander make sure you put it back and completely re-set the angle.... you just need to avoid creating multiple bevels across the wedge.

^^Smythe: Re: Wood : Wood is quite flexible, keep in mind things like rocking chairs and boats and the bows from which arrows are fired. I've put some pretty wicked angles on my wedges.

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

Just make sure you angle it steadily; if you take the work away from the sander make sure you put it back and completely re-set the angle.... you just need to avoid creating multiple bevels across the wedge.

^^Smythe: Re: Wood : Wood is quite flexible, keep in mind things like rocking chairs and boats and the bows from which arrows are fired. I've put some pretty wicked angles on my wedges.

^^^^ what he said. You only need to grind one side of a flat to make the bevel. It might seem intuitive to grind both sides evenly, but that's counterproductive. Just touch up the thick side edge to square it when you cut it off.

It also helps to use a LONG piece when shaping the wedge. That way you've got plenty of material to use as a handle to keep your hands out of the way of the grinder. Make the bevel to the end, cut it off, square it and you're done.

so if i get this right i only need to grind down one side. to me that doesnt make sense. wont that be an uneven wegde.

Originally Posted by jballs918

so if i get this right i only need to grind down one side. to me that doesnt make sense. wont that be an uneven wegde.

Only until you re-square the end.

It's true. I learned how to make mine from Bill's video, and my first one went perfectly. It seems counter intuitive, but try it and see how well it works.

hhmm that sounds way to easy i will look into it then i have a set of scales i will cut tonight thanks guys

No problem! Have fun experimenting!

My advice is when you figure out an easy way to do it on a full proof method, send me an email first so I can patent the idea.
I have spent more time on making a wedge than sawing and drilling wood scales.