Thread: scale making video, with hand tools

Excellent video. I'll likely be trying this approach with some of my restore projects!

Thanks! You know its funny, but I never thought about hand sanding the wedge! Perfect!

nice, was already thinking about how you make something without all the power tools.

Nice and informative video.

I make scales almost in a similar way. I use masking tape on each set of scale and double sided carpet tape to hold the pieces together.
After I cut with the coping saw I shape with a file on a vice. After the shaping is done, I drill the holes with a pin vice, and separate the scales.
Fine shape with progression of sandpapers, and make the wedge, I also make sure the wedge is flush with the scales before I install the blade.

For more precise work on shaping scales I find that using a foam block from a micromesh pad set, and/or a small wood block to wrap the sandpaper around work very well.

Originally Posted by mainaman

Nice and informative video.

I make scales almost in a similar way. I use masking tape on each set of scale and double sided carpet tape to hold the pieces together.
After I cut with the coping saw I shape with a file on a vice. After the shaping is done, I drill the holes with a pin vice, and separate the scales.
Fine shape with progression of sandpapers, and make the wedge, I also make sure the wedge is flush with the scales before I install the blade.

For more precise work on shaping scales I find that using a foam block from a micromesh pad set, and/or a small wood block to wrap the sandpaper around work very well.

I agree the process is a bit easier with a vise and file/rasp, I just wanted to show how it is not too hard to make scales without much in the way of tools if you are starting with 1/8 inch stock,

Charlie

Thanks for these videos, I appreciate the minimal tool selection necessary to create the scales. I have a few questions though:

1. How do you ensure the pin vise is straight when you're drilling the pivot and wedge holes?
2. Approximately how much time is spent sanding with the grits above 60 when the majority of the shaping is completed?
3. Have you ever had an issue with the wood losing shape after applying the shellac/oil? If so, do you go back and sand more after the coating is fully penetrated?

*edit - I now see the importance of starting with 1/8" stock and not the 1/2" x 1/2" blanks I was using...

I learned several things, Thank You !!

Nice video, I saw a few things that were new to me

Wouldn't it be easier to just glue the template you drew directly ontop of the blanks instead of tracing it?

I used to sand with one hand holding the sanding paper as well but I found it was easier to carpet tape sanding paper to a plate or plank. I have to try that eraser trick for rounding my scales, but for the hollow side of the scales I use sanding paper around acrylic tubing but you can also use bottles/glasses etc.

Originally Posted by TwistedOak

1. How do you ensure the pin vise is straight when you're drilling the pivot and wedge holes?
2. Approximately how much time is spent sanding with the grits above 60 when the majority of the shaping is completed?
3. Have you ever had an issue with the wood losing shape after applying the shellac/oil? If so, do you go back and sand more after the coating is fully penetrated?

1. I just eyeball the pinvise, It comes out fine.

2. The grits go by pretty quickly once the initial shaping is done.

3. Ihave not had any problem of the wood moving after finishing.

Originally Posted by Piet

Nice video, I saw a few things that were new to me

Wouldn't it be easier to just glue the template you drew directly ontop of the blanks instead of tracing it?

I used to sand with one hand holding the sanding paper as well but I found it was easier to carpet tape sanding paper to a plate or plank. I have to try that eraser trick for rounding my scales, but for the hollow side of the scales I use sanding paper around acrylic tubing but you can also use bottles/glasses etc.

Yes, It might be easier to glue the paper on. There are many ways to skin a cat. I was just going at it with a minimalist approach not necessarily with best known methods.

Charlie