Thread: Is it just me or is peening not very fun?

I just finished my first set of scales tonight!

I'm very relieved to have gotten at least one of these done. I've been collecting a bunch or old razors and I've made several sets of scales and this is the first one I've actually connected all the dots on.

Peening is not fun...at least not yet. I bent one brass rod, My peens are not very even and I cracked the scale in one spot and had to go back to repair it.

-I used a scale template that I downloaded (I think from here in a .pdf)
-I bought a 1/8" thick piece of Lace wood from Woodcraft
-The spacer is from an acrylic pen blank
-The finish is an oil based sealer with polyurethane followed by Renaissance wax.
-I tried the 2 tone pin approach after I got an old Wade and Butcher this week that had the same color scheme. However it shows off my lack of peening ability

Anyway I'd love your feedback and things I can improve for next time.

Thanks guys!

First set of scales.

Great job on your first attempt. Just remember to keep it slow and tap lightly.

Looks pretty good to me. As Theseus said just slow and light, I've never counted but it may take 300-400 gentle taps. You dont need to leave a lot sticking out of the washer before peening maybee arround 1mm.
Is that 1/16 rod your using? Awesome keyboard there too.
Grant

I think that is a great job!!

I'll be trying my skills at it soon enough. I have about 12 razors collected now that all need attention of some kind. Removing the scales is like step one. I guess I'll be learning the 'peening' as well. All the input sure helps, eh?

Keep up the good work, mate!!!

I've destroyed too many scales trying to peen. I've switched to a hex bolt and nut. Not as nice looking, but lots easier.

I know the razor is on show (very nice scales, like wood on a razor a lot) but gotta say lol the real standout in your pic is you computer keyboard! VERY Steampunk, like a lot