Noob epic fail

[steveg]

OK, I admit it...I failed big time. I tried to get my first set of scales from translucent clipboard material and they crazed and checked along the edge. I didn't generate any heat in the shaping process so I'm guessing the material was substandard to the task. They will now become "fit up" tools, but I need to know where to find polycarbonate or suitable acrylic in 1/8". Also, in fitting all of the pieces of the razor together, I'm finding that it's quite a handful and I need a nut/bolt combo to keep everything together. I have ordered washers from Microfasteners but I guess I should have thought this out a little further. What sizes and shapes are best for the task? Thanks for your help in advance, I am having an absolute ball working up my first restore...I know why you guys have so much enthusiasm for these things!

[Maximilian]

Steve,

there was a thread a few days ago with some of the same questions. Here's the link . We also have a sticky in the workshop forum. It has tons of info you will need. Masecraft has a nice large selection of 1/8" materials.

[steveg]

Thanks, Max. As I said when I first came here, my navigational skills are really lacking so your "shortcuts" are appreciated. I have heard good things about Masecraft..I will give them a try. Thanks again.

[dirtychrome]

Wood isnt at the tops of my list of scale materials, but when starting I think it is a good way to start. For me, my first set of scales is not still on that original razor, but it was a great starting material for me to learn.

...I am having an absolute ball working up my first restore...I know why you guys have so much enthusiasm for these things!

You have been bitten by the restore bug. From here, only cure is the next job,
then the next,
then the next,
then the...

[steveg]

You may be right about starting with a more forgiving handle material, but I really like the dark translucent plastics...they seem more "barbery" to me and since I'm new to this whole thing I find that more appealing right now. My choice for my second restore is elk antler, so how stupid is that? At any rate, my choices of materials for handles seems endless...I feel like a kid in a candy store. I have 13 restorables waiting patiently in a box, with the promise of a "coffeecan" of straights coming in to a local antique store this spring(talk about the proverbial carrot dangling in front of me!), so life is good and my learning curve is vertical. And to top it all off, I've never shaved with a straight razor and don't have one that I would dare touch to my face, but that's a tale for another telling!