Thread: Help on making custom scales

Right now I don't have any power tools. Are they really vital to the operation? How hard would it be to us a hand saw to cut the rough shape and sand the rest?

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Power tools arent a must - but they are a quick help.

A GOOD dremel used correctly can help save you lots of time, but at the same time it can be extremely damaging if a "slip up" occurs. I use my dremel for many things, but I use a buffer for bad blades, and good ole elbow grease for more detailed projects.

I also work out of a walk-in closet that is packed with sports memorabilia, video games (hundreds), and a computer desk. I basically have a 36" x 36" space to work. Thankfully I own a pivot style chair.

watch the video I linked to. He used only hand tools very effectively. I haven't used a Dremel since my very first scale project (which admittedly was crap).

I made a set of scales out of a hardwood paint stir stick, some dark walnut stain and ca glue for a finish. Pinned it with brass micro fasteners. I didn't post any pics because it looks like crap, but the important thing is I learned a lot from it. Now I want to get some decent wood and do a nice set. I did it all by hand except for some sanding with a Dremel. I sanded the stick to make it thinner by hand. That part sucked but with 60 grit it went surprisingly fast. Didn't cost me anything because it was all things I had on hand except the fasteners but those were given to me when I got the razor.

I use Rockler, good selection and a price savvy option. Check out their veneers, for 1/8 look for "by the piece" products. Frankly, at a dollar and a half per set I can't really see a need for using anything but the real thing. YMMV

Wow I thought the wood would be a bit more expensive! That is pretty cheap. I don't see a problem with just having a go at some walnut or some other type of wood. Thank you all for the help and for the links!

If you don't have any power tools, get a coping saw and rough the shape out. Coping saw with a wood blade is cheap, just cut the shape a little bit bigger from the final shape and hand sand it.

Pinning isn't hard at all, but get yourself a good peening hammer. I've got a nice old german one with a protursion on the end of the handle that helps with precise peening, I wouldn't trade for another one. Gssixgun is right about the amount of force to use, it doesn't take much to peen brass. Eventually you'll be able to get perfect peens with having to touch them up to be smooth and evenly rounded.

Personally, I would stay away from green wood that's not been dried. It can be a pain in the kester. Take your time and have fun, that's what this is all about.

Thank you all for the advice! I have just completed shaping my first set of scales! I still need to add the wedge, finish it with some lacquer and pin it. I am pleased with my first go-round. I only used a coping saw, sand paper, and a pin vise. I had a lot of fun making this and I can't wait to finish it and see how beautiful it looks.

Don't wimp out at the end and go with a spacer, make an actual "wedge"

Rule of thumb

Start with a piece of wood about 1/2 the tang thickness 1" x 1" wedge it down to near nothing then slide it back and forth until the angle looks good and drill the hole, then mark the blade swing on the wedge and finally cut and sand to fit...

All this is in the sticky too...

MAKE SURE you try and figure out how to mock fit the whole thing together with micro bolts before you go too far, this will save a ton of heartache.. Also don't forget to check the blade itself for a straight tang, there is nothing worse then thinking you built wrong when it is the blade that is off

g

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Don't wimp out at the end and go with a spacer, make an actual "wedge"

Rule of thumb

Start with a piece of wood about 1/2 the tang thickness 1" x 1" wedge it down to near nothing then slide it back and forth until the angle looks good and drill the hole, then mark the blade swing on the wedge and finally cut and sand to fit..
All this is in the sticky too...

MAKE SURE you try and figure out how to mock fit the whole thing together with micro bolts before you go too far, this will save a ton of heartache.. Also don't forget to check the blade itself for a straight tang, there is nothing worse then thinking you built wrong when it is the blade that is off

g

Damn, Glen! That wedge fitting technique sounds much more efficient than the other 13 cock-eyed methods that I've come up with. Thanks for sharing.