Thread: Wooden Scale Advice

Originally Posted by fast14riot

Yes that explain back then, but not now. They also didn't have polymer finishes, spray on finishes, self leveling finishes. There is no reason nowadays that wood scales should be inferior to any other scale material. I say use wood, or plastic or the boss' clip board! I don't feel any one material is any "better" than the rest as a scale material, just how you work it and finish it is different.

To the OP, a great way to add a little style to straight grain wood scales is to cut at an angle across the grain, say maybe 20-30 degrees. Walnut is great stuff to work with, I lik either Tru-Oil for a hand rubbed oil finish, or CA glue which can give the glass like finish.


-Xander

That's a good idea! And some CA glue would give a awesome finish!!! How do I apply it evenly though?

Wood is not an ideal material for razor scales, especially for production. But wood easy to work and is an approachable material. A lot of people have had experience with working wood. Considering the pampered life that most of the razors on this forum have, wood is a viable material. Using wood opens up the hobby to people that are not familiar with plastics. Wood is not the most durable or warp resistant, but it is good enough and makes for some pretty nice scales.

Charlie

Carry on,I just feel the old ways are the best ways.

I got a razor that had custom wood scales, and I love it! That's why I want it! Plain and simple. Besides, I don't like these scales anyway...

Originally Posted by parkerskouson

That's a good idea! And some CA glue would give a awesome finish!!! How do I apply it evenly though?

Either dip in a large bottle or sand down three heavy coats that have been spread around (quickly!) With a paper towel. I usually do the later. Start sanding at 400 after th CA dries, then proceed up to 2000 or so, then use either white or pink scratchless compound on a sewn wheel. If working by hand, neverdull polishing wadding, or a marine grade "fine" rubbing compound will bring out the shine and a plain T-shirt buff after.


-Xander

Originally Posted by parkerskouson

I got a razor that had custom wood scales, and I love it! That's why I want it! Plain and simple. Besides, I don't like these scales anyway...

What scales do you not like???????

Originally Posted by fast14riot

Either dip in a large bottle or sand down three heavy coats that have been spread around (quickly!) With a paper towel. I usually do the later. Start sanding at 400 after th CA dries, then proceed up to 2000 or so, then use either white or pink scratchless compound on a sewn wheel. If working by hand, neverdull polishing wadding, or a marine grade "fine" rubbing compound will bring out the shine and a plain T-shirt buff after.


-Xander

Darn it. Now I am gonna have to go to home depot and blow 40$........

Originally Posted by parkerskouson

Darn it. Now I am gonna have to go to home depot and blow 40$........

Nah, just go to Autozone, or similar store, and pick up a multi pack of fine sandpapers, they sell the neverdull polishing wadding (for wheels), and a small 2oz bottle of a good quality CA glue. I like Locktite brand after testing several varieties. Should be around $20 or so and will be enough for several sets of scales.


-Xander

Here is list of what I think is the minimum equipment to make scales.
Coping saw
Sand paper
flat and half round file
vice, clamps
pin vice for drilling pin holes
sand paper

If you have tools then
sander, bans saw, and drill for the pin holes.

If you have a band saw you can cut the block to ~1/8 thick blancks for the scales, if not you can use a jig for that:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...le-blanks.html

A video of making scales by hand:
making straight razor scales with a minimum amount of hand tools - YouTube