Thread: Cheap scale material?

Yes I will give it a try one day. The only problem now is that I don't have a table saw. I have a scroll saw only but I don't know if I"ll be able to cut a straight line with it. Has anyone had luck cutting a straight line with a scroll saw? I guess I'll need to build a guide of some sort first.

Many times you can find the main cross piece in palettes are oak.

you got just about no chase of ripping the stock with a scroll saw
A regular hand saw or better a japanese type pull saw will work much better

Cheapest (FREE) Scales can be made from window shutters or blinds. I found some at Home Depot. They were shutter samples and were to be discarded. They are perfect for making quick and easy scales. Cutting them out is a snap and they are 1/8 inch thick. After I make them and assemble the complete razor, I dip completely the scales in a can of clear wood sealer. let sealer harden by hanging scales outside in the sun or somewhere warm & dry.

If for nothing more, these simple scales can be made as a prototype or experimental shape for some really exotic and expensive-materialed scales.

Photo shows a 3-pin set (maple) I made in about 30 minutes with a hand scroll saw, pocket knife, and some 100 grit sandpaper. Some samples are made of wood, others are of a PVC-like plastic material. There are many wood species and colors to choose from. FREE and easy! Really some fun. Do it and prosper. RRR

nothing wrong with eucalyptus wood grain etc varies with variety but it's great for anything i like it for knife handles and i will be rescaling a couple razors with it when i get around to it

Originally Posted by timberrr59

Cheapest (FREE) Scales can be made from window shutters or blinds. I found some at Home Depot. They were shutter samples and were to be discarded. They are perfect for making quick and easy scales. Cutting them out is a snap and they are 1/8 inch thick. After I make them and assemble the complete razor, I dip completely the scales in a can of clear wood sealer. let sealer harden by hanging scales outside in the sun or somewhere warm & dry.

If for nothing more, these simple scales can be made as a prototype or experimental shape for some really exotic and expensive-materialed scales.

Photo shows a 3-pin set (maple) I made in about 30 minutes with a hand scroll saw, pocket knife, and some 100 grit sandpaper. Some samples are made of wood, others are of a PVC-like plastic material. There are many wood species and colors to choose from. FREE and easy! Really some fun. Do it and prosper. RRR

I think you idea is better! I guess my wife gets the pant hangers afterall lol.

Originally Posted by Salsa

Yes I will give it a try one day. The only problem now is that I don't have a table saw. I have a scroll saw only but I don't know if I"ll be able to cut a straight line with it. Has anyone had luck cutting a straight line with a scroll saw? I guess I'll need to build a guide of some sort first.

I've done it with mixed results.

Set up a fence and clamp it down (I used a peice of pine that had been cut down, but if it's relatively solid, and straight...). I couldn't get it perfect, and had to sand down after, but when it's all you've got... I suppose with practice I could have improved. I also don't know the size of what you want cut, but that probably has some bearing on how it turns out.

Originally Posted by Salsa

Yes I will give it a try one day. The only problem now is that I don't have a table saw. I have a scroll saw only but I don't know if I"ll be able to cut a straight line with it. Has anyone had luck cutting a straight line with a scroll saw? I guess I'll need to build a guide of some sort first.

If your trying to rip your stock to 1/8 in thick, here is an alternative you can do with a palm or belt sander

• Palm sander fixture for scale slabs

I just want to reiterate:

You can cut a lot of corners, you can save a lot of money, but there is no cheapskate way to make nice scales. Scales made from blinds, paint stir-sticks, and clothes hangers will always look like what they are. For just a few dollars you can get lumber from people who have the proper tools, and then you can make something nice.


Or, to save $5, you can reinvent the wheel. Your choice.

Agreed. You sometimes get what you pay for; HOWEVER, having FREE material to experiment with and to modify is wise. My first frameback undergoing honing is sporting new shutter slat sample scales (which have not yet been dipped in sealer). I might just whittle and sand on them more before they take the final plunge. Spacer/counterweight is a penny. (earned but not saved)

Tell ya what, Re-Invented Wheels do roll all the way to the bank! Later top quality stuff can be bought for ready CASH. Have fun with all this and plan for better and shiny times. Merry CHRISTmas, RRR