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So.......I regularly peruse the custom and resto side of the forum, and I'm seeing something I want to get some clarification on. It seems several of the custom makers and restorers are making scales with what look to me to be spacers rather than wedges. Is this the "new thing" or just personal preference, or something else? What are your thoughts and personal opinions? I personally like the looks and traditional appearance of a nice tapered wedge.
I am not going to say it is the new thing but certainly the easier to do.
Wedges are used so the scales naturally bow outwards, spacer will keep the scales straight but with time will cause the scales to bow inwards.
Agreed it's not the new thing just the easier thing. Personal preference wedges look better also. They are not horrible to make, just take some practice.
Agreed, The wedge is made for a reason. Taking the easy road, while easier will in the long run be more work and could cause damage to the blade.Quote:
Originally Posted by mainaman
Some of the reasons that Ray mentionedQuote:
Originally Posted by CTKnife
1. The outward bow of the scales strengthens the scale
2. The bow creates tension on the razor so it opens and closes smoothly
3. The bow and resulting angle keeps the scales from rubbing the sides of the tang (somewhat)
4. The angle of the wedge should match the angle of the tang
5. The bow allows for use of a 3rd pin to further relive tang rubbing or just for looks (not necessary)
These are most of the reasons I can think of right now, but right now, I am just having my first cup of coffee so forgive me if I missed some :)
Keep in mind that the tang of a razor is angled, sometimes in two directions, sometimes even rounded, the wedge should create a natural curve to meet these angles... All this is not a rule, it is just how those old guys have figured stuff out over the years and the evolution of the SR... If you look at some of the old Stub Tails you will find much more of a spacer than a wedge, mostly I have found that they seemed to follow the tang design so that is what I always did....
Most people that start making scales always use a spacer. As they progress, get more confident and better they switch to a tapered wedge. A tapered wedge is the way to go. It's not that hard. It just takes practice. A belt sander does help tremendously.
I completely concur. I began trying to make wedges, and got frustrated. So I made spacers. Literally just two weeks ago I tried a different type of pressure and voila! I immediately thought to myself "thats it! Now I've got it."Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximilian
Man, what a breakthrough. Talk about elation.
Thanks for all the replies so far gentlemen. Very interesting. I need a belt sander apparently. I assume with judicious use of sandpaper one could make a wedge by hand as well.
I think I would agree with everyone. I tend to think wedges look better...spacer are definitely easier. I think there are several good reasons to use a wedge over a spacer although a spacer is fine so long as the scales are made/set correctly.
I'm nowhere in the same league as many who have commented here but if you're asking from makers standpoint: One thing I've found is that putting barely any taper on at all is still enough to make a drastic difference. Don't beat yourself up if your getting frustrated trying to make dime-thick wedges that taper down to paper thickness. I'll leave that to the masters for awhile.
Absolutely. I've done it.Quote:
Originally Posted by medicevans
That being said, it's worth pointing out that it may take you several tries to get it right. My first couple of attempts did not make good wedges. They'd look right until I tried to fit the scales, and then it would turn out that each face of the wedge was slightly convex, which really doesn't work very well.
For a good wedge, After roughing it to an angle on sandpaper, Then slide it on a file to assure that the surface is really flat on each side. That will reduce the problem of the wedge having spaces next to the scales.
I wish I'd have brought a piece of wood with me to work today. Now I have to go home and try this tomorrow!
you can make wedges by hand by using sandpaper yes, I do not own a belt sander and I do them this way.Quote:
Originally Posted by medicevans
How do you do it?
I always figured people used spacers because they didn't know that using a wedge had a functional purpose. Not that that should be read as a bad thing; I know there are lots of things I don't know, I just don't know what they are.
I use a beltsander to make wedges, but by hand should be the same; sand the wedge, but use more pressure on the side you want thinner. As a side note, if you don't want to use sandpaper, you can use hones. A DMT works nicely.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geezer
I use my belt and or disc sander but the easiest way to make a wedge with sandpaper is to find a flat surface (I use a piece of glass) and tape the paper to it. I have a few different grits set up this way. I then use duct tape doubled over wrapped on the tip of my finger so it acts like double sided tape.Quote:
Originally Posted by medicevans
I then stick the the wedge piece to my finger and have at it. Keep in mind to keep the heel slightly raised and put the pressure toward the front or tip giving you the angle your looking for. Some people only work one side bit I find it better to flip the piece and work both sides.
Make yourself up a half dozen pieces to practice with and you will find that your getting that wedge much easier and quicker than you know.
This is also a great way to clean up spacer or shim washers when your making them by hand with a hammer. (I have one plate set up with 600 grit that works great)
Thats what I do. The easiest way to do it is wet some sandpaper and stick it to a DMT to act as a flat surface.Quote:
Originally Posted by medicevans
In order to get the taper you just put more pressure on one side of the wedge as you sand.
I don't have a belt sander so I use the DMT to get my scales flat and thicknessed as well, works great! :)
Well, this is certainly becoming an informative and helpful thread! Keep it coming guys.
I recently bought a marble tile from Menards (midwest home improvement store to some of our coastie friends) for $1.98. It is a foot square and I had planned to have a head stone place cut it in half for me so I could use it for making micarta. It sounds like I need to go get a few more to have on hand for other stuff too! It is really nice having a perfectly smooth, flat surface to certain things on sometimes.
CTKnife, I'm going to have to try making my own washers sometime. I guess it won't cost much to practice. I have to get an anvil or a bigger piece of steel though......
Sounds like I'm going to have to start shopping for hones. Momma ain't gonna like this at all. Maybe I can find some used?