Resin scales and inlays

**scott64a** · 08-17-2012, 07:57 PM

In particular, a Lauder's Imp that has a little devil laid in the celluloid, (or plastic?). The scale with the imp inlaid in it broke while trying to get some really bent pins out, (it happens,) and I'm wondering if anyone knows of how to remove the metal imp and cast new scales.

I remember seeing a resto project that someone did where they removed the metal inlay, (i think it was a Dubl Duck,) and then made new clear red scales and laid the metal ducks in prior to casting and then made some REALLY nice scales.

Anyone know how to do this?

What material to use for the scales?

I looked at most of the search results and found some conflicting ideas, but PM'd a guy here about if he could cast some for me.

Any ideas would be gladly welcomed. The blade on this Lauder's Imp is so so fine. Hardly has any hone wear at all... but the scales were warped and the pins bent. I'd love to salvage this.

Regards,

Scott

**DFriedl** · 08-17-2012, 08:20 PM

Red Imps are known for scale warpage and breaking. You can buy red acrylic and cut and sand it. You have to sand up to 2000 to make it look like nice smooth plastic. I thought about casting epoxy, but I think the acrylic would work better. You can transfer inlays on both. Lots of information about all three subjects here.

**DFriedl** · 08-17-2012, 08:40 PM

I sent it in our PM conversation, but for anyone else looking: http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...-gssixgun.html

**gssixgun** · 08-17-2012, 09:29 PM

Google

"gssixgun, inlay, removal"

I have a Vid of it on my channel besides the Thread DF linked ya

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReEkuWzEmdM&feature=plcp

**pixelfixed** · 08-17-2012, 10:29 PM

Classic vid Glen,love stuff that really works and have used the technique several times with great success,thx.
Ran into an inlay removal problem a few mos. back thatr was a real bugger.
Old Palmera,very delicate inlay,hard Rubber scales,How to dissolve rubber??, internet says acetone also, great.
Soaked it well,no go,will not touch hard rubber,soaked it overnight,Nada.
Think,Rubber,Vulcanized,Heat???
Laid it on a hot plate set at 150,an hr later ithe scale section was like a rubber band,pick it up, flex it, inlay pops right out

Maybe some help to somebody down the road.

**scott64a** · 08-17-2012, 10:54 PM

Well, it's not a Red Imp. It's a Lauder's Imp.

I'll be posting pics of it when I get some cool replacement scales. I'd love to figure out how to mount the little imp to new clear amber scales, without having it be raised a whole bunch. Heat and press it, then CA it? What types of materials do clear amber scales come in? Thanks for the vid Gssixgun!

**gssixgun** · 08-17-2012, 11:31 PM

One idea I always wanted to try is Acrylics and Heat by way of an electrical current

never did it though...
You however just gave me another idea that I am going to have to try out one of these days

**scott64a** · 08-18-2012, 02:50 PM

I guess the hard part about using a current would be to get the inlay going while it's being held to the scale... they're thin though, I don't know how much current it would take to get it hot enough and whether it would withstand that.

It's thin though, so it would have to be placed on a wood surface while hot, but not hot enough to make the scale start to bubble... then lay it flat and press. Maybe buff a little afterward. These are flat scales, so it'd be a good way to try it without the curve more common in scales.

If you have a clear amber set of scales, I'd be glad to send the pieces to you for a try.

My original thought was to set the scales in some sculpie clay, press them until they were just flush with the surface. Then heat it in the oven to harden it. With the scale molds made, I was going to remove the devil using acetone, after buffing, set it aside and pour a clear amber material into the mold after spraying with silicone or something, the inlay laying in it's own impression at the bottom. Remove scales, sand them to shape, polish lightly and pin.

Sounds easy, but I'm sure finding a clear amber material to pour is going to be the hard part.

I'm sure taking a set of pre made clear amber scales and getting the inlay to well, "lay in", would be easier.

If you want to try it, I won't be mad if it ends in failure hahaha.

I can always just make a set of wooden scales.

**scott64a** · 08-18-2012, 03:22 PM

but... hold that thought. i've got a few other ideas I want to try.

Oh, the ideas....

**gssixgun** · 08-18-2012, 03:30 PM

There have been a few ways to do it, I have even used gentle chasing on wood scales to sink them father before attaching, used the dop and hope method often and the frame method too..
I don't cast my own scales, but if I did I would try the mould style of attachment, Traveler/Gary cast 100's of scales and did his own "inlays" on many, try a member search for his work it might get even more brainwaves flowing.. Also do a member search for Vald he was way ahead of his time on this forum as a custom guy and Garythepenman had some unique ideas...

Those are names from the old days with work that was exceptional..

Thread: Resin scales and inlays

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Display

Resin scales and inlays

The Following User Says Thank You to DFriedl For This Useful Post:

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to gssixgun For This Useful Post:

Posting Permissions