I was just wondering how some of you pro scale makers out there go from a piece of wood (or what have you), to the basic shape of a pair of scales...

So far I've just used some old scales as templates. The results have been alright. Not the most perfect fitting and certainly not the most stylish, but they serve their purpose more than adaquetely.

So I'm just wondering, is there any good methods to producing well fitting and, dare I say, fashionable scales? Do you guys just look at a razor blade and know exactly what to shape in your head? or is there a more scientific route?

So far the best I can think of is drawing a scale template on cardboard, putting the razor on top, and trying to visualize whether or not it would work. Definetly involves some trial and error no doubt.

As usual, any and all input is welcome