Homemade scales

This weekend I hope to post some pics of my feeble efforts. I've cut three sets.
Set 1 is from swamp kauri, the other two I've experimented with mahogony.

They are all currently drying from applications of dutch oil or waiting for the epoxy to set where I have glued in the spacer.

One set is pretty much standard scale shape, one is similar to one of Bills and will have a double pin at the spacer end, the kauri one has chamfered edges.

The hardest part is getting uniformity for both scales. To improve my technique I drilled the fixing holes and used tacking nails through them. I found this much easy. I also invested in a "Panavise" bench top modellers vice, a great tool.

For my finish I sanded to 1200 grit and will use the dutch oil only for dressing.

One set of scales will have a 3rd pin for a tang stop / strengthener and I'm using an abalone coloured bead as the spacer for this.

Watch this space.

Gary

Gary, next time try double sided tape to keep the two pieces together. That way you can shape them and then drill the holes.

It is easier because then you don't have to worry about keeping the holes centered as you shape the scales.

Good idea Vlad I'll try that next time.

Here is my first attempt. A Chris Johnson of Sheffield with kauri scales.(not fiddleback)
Before and after pics. I will buy a new camera when I stop buying razors.

Gary

They came out nice. I'll bet you realized that it is not as scary to make scales as you first thought.

It only gets better and easier every time you do it.

You are absolutely correct Vlad, I have two more sets in the near finished stage and these are definitely of a higher standard.
Gary

Wait till you get confident enough to start playing with finishes, decorations, shapes, bevels, etc. It gets to be even more fun.

I bet Vlad.

I only have basic tools at the moment so I'm playing more with outline profiles than bevels etc..

btw Your crazy glue scales look very nice, much better than the raw versions.
What do you supply for an end spacer ?. They would look cool on a 7/8 Friodur I have coming.

Gary

If I were to pin the blade with my brass pins/collars then I would probably opt out for brass, it will look really nice but a real PITA to file down the bevel and the shape.

Otherwise I would go with either smoke grey clear plexiglass which I have or a black wedge which you can buy at classicshaving for $3.

P.S. Almost did not notice but did the CA finish change your mind about the grain pattern?

The next set finished. Made from mahogony. I must get or borrow a better camera, the fine grain flecks are very nice.
I used a glass bead for the tang stop. The blade is a Never Rust from Solingen, Shame about the name because it had plenty of rust when I was given it and it had a chip the size of a pea out of the end so I turned it into a square point.
I'm just experimenting at the moment, it's great fun. The next phase is thinner wood, thin brass sheet and a coloured perspex scale liner to get an overall thinner scale, but strong and flexible.
Gary

Gary...

Have you run across my blog yet? It may hold you over 'til my update is done... ;)

http://razortips.blogspot.com/

I really like the shape of these scales. Mind if I borrow it for inspiration?

Be more confident about thinning the wood even without a liner. Thinner wood is quite tough and more flexible so will tend to hold up well. The liners are more critical for brittle woods and materials.

You can probably go down to 1/8" to 3/64" (3 to 2.25 mm) for most woods.

And checkout Bill's blog it has tons of tips and info that will help you.

Bill,

Yes I have gone through your blog and I'm going out today to get some thin brass for liners and thinner wood. I don't have a belt sander so almost all is done with a hand coping saw, dremel and hand. Tons of info and I really appreciate your efforts in sharing you work and tips with us all. btw Check your old address over the next few days a parcel should be arriving anyday now.

Vlad,

Use what ever shape you like, someone was asking if there is templates for scales. see below my 4 experimental shapes. Size in mm.

Finally I'm happy with a smooth traditional shape fitted with a Bengal I cleaned up.

Gary

Gary,

Did you make these last scales? You did not mention it but they look great, what wood is it and how did you finish it?

Vlad,

These scales are my best effort to date. The wood is mahogony and I dressed with dutch oil, then sanded again with 1200 grit and finally applied some high quality Briwax antique furniture polish. The polish really bought out the grain.

Glad you like them.

I currently have some thin sheets of cherry epoxy'd to brass sheet. Nearly finished and depending on the look may dress a 6/8 Geneva.

Gary

I love them. Nice shape, great color, beautiful grain and a great finish. The finish looks like it has some depth. How many coats of danish oil did you apply?

Are you doing scales non-stop? :D You are hooked.

Hi Vlad,

I gave the scales two coats with a light sand in between. I probably could have spent more time polishing to the nth degree but was really happy when I waxed them. The colour really jumped out. I guess if you did you CA thing you would get a very good result.
I'm not really happy with the blade in them so I'm going to swap them out with a Chris Johnson blade I restored, it is a fabulous shaver and deserves a decent set of scales.
The first set of kauri ones are going back to the work bench for a tweek, I'm not happy with the finish at all now that I've got better.

Gary