Thread: 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/