Thread: Some Can and Some Try......

Actually, I think you are tracking. That is the usual result with a scroll saw..I like using band saw though, it is easier for me to control. And as for the wedge...I have gone as far as to not notice that I was no onger holding the wedge and sanded throughout my fingernail...of course you may also notice that there is nothing from me in the restorations folder either....I am Darwin's argument when it comes to art and engineering...

Those scales look exactly like they're supposed to (unless you posses crazy woodworking skills!)....a rough cut. Well done.

I'm also with Holli - it took me at least a dozen sets of scales before I could keep a coping saw straight.

Belt sanders work miracles - watch the finger tips.

I'm looking forward to more progression pics.

Hirlau, looks fine to me. I have a set of scales that are waiting for some pins that looked just like those and now look great (IMHO). I used a hacksaw and a hand-held belt sander clamped in my bench vice for shaping.

Keep up the great work, I am also looking forward to seeing some more pics soon.

Happy sanding,
Stu

Enjoy the next step as the basic shaping on the belt is quite rewarding and progress is quick and obvious.
The hand sanding feels like it takes years though!

Please keep us up to date

Cheers
P

That's pretty much what my scales look like after step one. I use rubber cement to glue them together and a template on top. Then sand with a belt sander until everything matches up. Keep Going!!

Just an update on the first set of scales that I cut.
The set that you see in the opening post, where destroyed by me in about five seconds of "Free Hand Drilling" with the dreaded Straight Razor Tool of Death (Dremel). I sanded them a little, then decided it was time to drill the pin holes. I was too lazy to use the new drill press that I had just purchased. (Why use a drill press for two little holes, when the Dremel is so handy?). After sliding a rod through the entry hole, the angle of the exit hole, was as sharp as the 110, Pasadena Freeway. The scales became samples to draw other blanks.
I cut out another set of bubinga scales and two more maple wedges. I applied the finished scales to this Boker that I found in an antique store about 4 months ago.


The razor was hand sanded, the scales & wedge were finished with tung oil over a peroid of 12 days. Brass washers & nickel rod.
The edge almost hits the inside of the scales, but does miss them.
Tonight I will hone her.







Any comments on how to improve, are greatly welcome.
Thanks for looking.

Darn good for a first or second or third attempt!

Very nice. Excellent pinning job, and the scales ended up turning out really well. Well done.

Great scales, and lovely pins, those look go-o-od!
Only comment is your wedge looks straight, more like a spacer than a wedge?
Anyways, nice job indeed.

Far and away better than anything I could do but I think str8fencer raises a good point, I'd try to add a little more "wedge" to the wedge. Gives the scales a flex from what I understand. Btw I love the finish on the wood and the pin job is a work of art by it's self!