Thread: Help on making custom scales

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.