Thread: Making wood scale question

Just wondering how hard it is to do it by hand. I'm going to probably do a few acrylic scales to start but would eventually like to try my hand with wood scales or maybe horn. I don't have all the tools most would to do it. What I do have is a table saw, drill, rotary tool and my two hands. Just wondering if using these, how hard it would be to make and shape wood scales. My biggest concern would be the sanding and shaping since I don't have anything big use and would probably all be hand sanded. Any insight or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

IME I have found wood to be easier, and if I were going to choose a wood that I thought was the easiest out of all of them to be the most likely to yield a great set of scales it would be Olivewood...

Same as my G brother. Wood is so much easier. The only downfall is you have more work sealing and or treating the wood with whatever finish you desire.

I might recommend going and getting yourself a coping saw. They're pretty cheap at about $5,easy to control, and will allow you to get pretty close to your desired profile without huge amounts of sanding just to get your shape. Good luck and have fun!

thanks guys. Nice to know it could be done. I see videos like Undream's and I wondered if you needed all that. I'm sure it helps and he turns out amazing stuff. Might have to give this a try.

I like to hand shape from time to time. Rasps, sure forms and the like work well. If you really want to know I can tell you how to make a great shaping rasp from used bandsaw blades that people throw away.

You've heard from a couple of the top restorers & scalemakers...listen to them, even though we ALL knew that Glen would recommend olivewood. The coping saw & rasps are quite handy and can be used with a lot of other projects...and cost little. Plan on using a bit of sandpaper. You can find scale wood blanks already thinned down on a plainer to 1/8" at many knife suppliers or even on the bay. Just make sure that the blanks that you order are long enough...guess why I mention this...

Thanks everyone for your input. Definitely has me itching to give it a try. I already have some acrylic on the way for some scales I want to do but I'm leaning toward a set of wood ones as well now. Honestly, I didn't expect the answers I received. I honestly thought I'd be told it would be too difficult. Guess it shows how much I know.

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

If you really want to know I can tell you how to make a great shaping rasp from used bandsaw blades that people throw away.

Yes please.

Remember the ole' saying: The only stupid question is the one that you didn't ask.

Now...instead of talking about it, get to it and do it. Plan your work and work your plan. Best of luck & be safe most of all...