Noob thinking about making new scales.

I don't have a razor yet. I've been keeping an eye out in the classifides for one I like. It seems like a lot of the cheap razors with nice blades have blonde scales. So think I may want to carve my own out of cherry, walnut, teak, or brazilian mahogony. I wanted to get the opintion on someone who has done it before. I guess my main concerns are: If the scales do not operate or fit well, can I put the old ones back on, or are they trashed? Also what kind of tolerences are needed as far as angle of the hole the blade pivots on, and overall shape and curve. And are there any specific tools I may need to buy. (if so do I need to go to specialty store?)
I'm a great carpenter but have only tried wood working a few times, nothing like this. I'm confident in my abilities but I don't want to under estimate something so simple.

Thank you all very much!
Joe.

Hey Joe.

Welcome to SRP!

There is a lot of information in the Wiki about rescaling razors and making your own scales. Spend some time reading there.
There is also a section of this board called "The Workshop" where you can start threads with any questions you may have, as well as read about what other people have done.

Be sure to check out the gallery in the workshop to see the crazy awesome work that people here are capable of. :)

Good luck!

and really... Read the Wiki... Everything you'll need to know is in there.

Wow. I never noticed that part of the wiki section. Thank you very much.

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Originally Posted by JoeTheCarpenter

I don't have a razor yet. I've been keeping an eye out in the classifides for one I like. It seems like a lot of the cheap razors with nice blades have blonde scales. So think I may want to carve my own out of cherry, walnut, teak, or brazilian mahogony. I wanted to get the opintion on someone who has done it before. I guess my main concerns are: If the scales do not operate or fit well, can I put the old ones back on, or are they trashed? Also what kind of tolerences are needed as far as angle of the hole the blade pivots on, and overall shape and curve. And are there any specific tools I may need to buy. (if so do I need to go to specialty store?)
I'm a great carpenter but have only tried wood working a few times, nothing like this. I'm confident in my abilities but I don't want to under estimate something so simple.

Thank you all very much!
Joe.

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Joe,

I see no reason why you should not give it a try--as long as you have the required tools, materials and patience to do so. In fact, your hobby could turn into a personally rewarding and lucrative little side business.

Use the old scales of the razor to trace a pattern for your new exotic wood scales on paper--length of scales and placement of holes + width of scales and spacer--to avoid the problems you anticipate. Then use that pattern to create your new scales.

:gl:

There are not any special tools needed. I would make a test set out of some cheaper wood and work out the bugs, before starting with an exotic wood.


As for drilling the holes it is not hard if you drill through both scales at the same time. It is easiest to drill the holes after you have the profile cut out but before you start rounding the edges. I like to stick the two halves together when drilling and shaping. (check out the wiki)


The problems to look out for on your first scales are (I have been guilty of these)

• Do not make them too thick 1/8 is too chunky 3/32 or a bit less looks great
• Make the wedge a true taper, do not make it parallel

If you look carefully on the bay, you can find some thin cut blanks. I picked up some in zircote if I remember correctly, but have yet to use them...but they are sanded on both sides & 1/8" thick...perfect to start with if you don't have a shop full of tools or even if you do. Just pay attention to the diminsions of the wood...sometimes you can find some too short. Good luck and enjoy!