Thread: Help--I can't get my scales off!

For future reference, they sell small spherical diamond burr sets that you can use to hollow out the metal. Its not as fast as drilling, but its less risky.

I've never had any trouble with removing pins by filing and tapping since I started using a jewellers anvil. This one has a hole about the same size as most pin heads so only one side needs to be filed. Because the scales is supported all the way around the pin there is very little chance for the scales to crack or break. As for a punch I use a cheap jewellers screw driver filed to a point.
Using this method with these tools I don't have to rely on tapping, but can hit it a bit harder if need be.

Originally Posted by ndw76

I've never had any trouble with removing pins by filing and tapping since I started using a jewellers anvil. This one has a hole about the same size as most pin heads so only one side needs to be filed.

Is this the sort of thing you're talking about, Nathan?

Horn Anvil On Base Jewelers Tools Jewelry Tool NIB on eBay.ca (item 110454445819 end time 13-Nov-09 00:17:39 EST)

Chaiguy,

I have found the easiest material to use is the plastic pipes that come with aerosol cans. It cuts easily, and is self-lubricating.

You have to search about a bit to find ones with the correct outside and inside diameters.

Others use brass/copper tube.

Best regards

Russ

What I have found is that the pivot holes can be of different sizes. Therefore I have used JB Weld and fill the pivot hole, sand it flush and re drill it to the size I want. Saves a lot of figuring out on what size tube I need.

Originally Posted by chaiguy

Is this the sort of thing you're talking about, Nathan?

Horn Anvil On Base Jewelers Tools Jewelry Tool NIB on eBay.ca (item 110454445819 end time 13-Nov-09 00:17:39 EST)

Yeah, that's the one that I use.