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

Same questions as Baldy/Grant had is that 1/16 in Rod ?????

Also I have posted this hint about 100 times but Popsicle sticks make for great practice instead of newly built scales, if you can pin them together without snapping them you should do fine on real scales...

Watch how tight the pins fit the holes, if they are tight on wood scales you can split the scale, there should be a slight bit of slop for swelling...
Clip the rod within 1mm of the washer, I use a 5/64 drill bit for 1/16 in rod
You should file the excess rod before peening, nice even starts make for nice even peens..
You can also file and peen to bring it in slowly...
If you bent a rod it can only be from two reasons, to much force or to long a pin
Put you finger on the anvil surface, tap it with the hammer right there at the edge of your Cuticle that real sensitive spot, if that hurts when you tap you are hitting to hard, No really, I am not kidding, try that test...


All these hints are avaiable in the workshop sticky too

That is a very nice job.
Peening; The statements above are correct, and I am adding a bit more to them.
Cut the pin to a length.
First, file the end of the pin dead square and flat.
Second, peen lightly all around the outside of the pin end to make a mushroom shape.
Third, slowly tap that mushroom down onto the washer.
Then the edges of the mushroom shape will be against the washer.

Again, Nice job!
Respectfully
~Richard

To answer the question in your thread title, I dunno about anyone else but I rather enjoy peening, its one of my favorite parts.

As for tips to improve, pay close attention to the advice the mentors are giving u here, its really good advice. Also my first peen was using scrap wood and a tablespoon as a peening hammer. I think that first attempt showed me how little force and hammering is required to get the job done. Maybe you don't actually need to experience this yourself but at least keep in mind that it really is about more light taps instead of fewer big hits.