Thread: Scale material

I was wondering something really quickly. I have been thinking about trying to make my own scales for a couple of the razors that I have. However, I have never made any before. So I was wondering, can scales be made out of something like basswood for a few trial runs first to try out my skills without potentially screwing up nicer woods? If I came up with something I liked, would it hurt putting them on a razor?

I have a WoodCraft store about a half hour away from me that I can go buy some nicer wood at. But I have a Hobby Lobby like 10 minutes away that I could pick up basswood at. So what say you? Should I just jump in head first and get the nicer wood right off the bat?

For a mock up.basswood would be just fine

If you wanted to try acrylic, go and see your local signwriter - he'll probably let you have some off-cuts for free.

Wood is cheap--just buy some real wood. Using something like basswood, which doesn't behave at all like a harder wood, will tell you just about nothing about how some harder wood would act.

Here are some links for wood and pins, etc that I have used:

Scale Material:
Scroll Saw Wood - Thin Craft Wood for the Scroll Saw Hobbyist
Peening Station:
Amazon.com: Jeweler's Chasing Hammer - 1 Inch Head - Metal Smithing: Home & Kitchen
Amazon.com: Beadalon Desktop Anvil: Arts, Crafts & Sewing
Pin Stock:
Amazon.com: Solid Brass Rod 36",3/32"(5): Toys & Games
Washers:
Flat Washer, Brass, Plain Finish, #2 Bolt Size, 0.0890" ID, 0.1875" OD, 0.0280" Thick, Pack Of 100: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Not a big investment and it's satisfying to create your own scales.