Thread: Scale Pattern Idea!

In doing my first restoration, I traced the original scale onto the wood. I found this very frustrating, so I was trying to find a better way, when this occurred to me:

I used a copier to make a paper pattern of the scale and got a perfectly sized print. I can now just stick the paper copy to the wood and cut it out. Also, the pin holes are perfectly located.

Other ideainclude:

Use a copy to experiment with different shapes based on the original scale, by drawing on the copy, knowing that the pin holes will match.

Experiment with using different woods, materials, inlays, etc. on paper. I want to try using rock in combination with different scale shapes, so this will allow me to work everything out on paper before doing any cutting.

Always thinkin' this one is. Thanks for sharing.

X

YOu can also scan it into your computer and use a photo program to superimpose different wood and designs to see what works best.....

We'd like to see your final scales when they are done!!

I love the new ideas people have come up with here!

C utz

C Utz,

I have a secret idea for scales that I may design with the computer, but so far, I haven't had any luck getting an image to scan in and maintain the correct size - it tends to enlarge.

Now I'm a noob at restoration and I haven't even taken my first straight razor shave (except a few feather AC shaves with an injector blades). I'm just not in a hurry. So what do you think about that!? ha

How do people usually decide the shape of the scales? Do they freehand on wood, or freehand on paper, stick it to the wood and cut on the lines or what?

I sorta make it up as I go along really. I might have an idea, I rough cut the shape and see what I end up with.
I don't make replicas but I do copy basic shapes. A bit like a box of chocolates.

Gary

Can't stay...bye bye, now...

Something I have done in the past is make a copy of a pattern, then using a hot
iron, transfer the image to a piece of wood...Use a fairly hot iron and work quick!
It will of course be backward due to the transfer of the image.

This was using copiers that had powdered toners, so you should try this out on
something you can afford to screw up before using your exotic woods....

Of course, try this at your own risk....I mostly did it on pine and oak I was using
for various small projects....Might not work on some of the woods you guys use
for scales, and definitly not for something that might melt!!!