Thread: How do you thin down your blanks?

Originally Posted by UKRob

Glen. I have to disagree with your conclusion here. I've attached a picture of some scales that I made using exactly the method described earlier and I don't think they look like Popsicle sticks. The stock was sanded as one piece and then cut in two and taped together whilst profiled and sanded. I always sand the inside of the blank before taping -

I have zero clue what yer disagreeing with I think that is exactly what I said and basically what we all do using slightly different techniques.. I also have no clue how thick your scales actually are...

Originally Posted by Bruno

I use this.



Before, that, I used big bastard files with very coarse teeth.
The kind of thing a farrier would use for rasping down hooves.
Works like a charm.

That sure is one nice looking belt grainder Bruno... How bout a better look at that tool rest so I can copy it...

The very fact that some of you guys have surface grinders (worse yet, sitting unused in a garage) makes me green with envy! I miss my tools of great powers!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I have zero clue what yer disagreeing with I think that is exactly what I said and basically what we all do using slightly different techniques.. I also have no clue how thick your scales actually are...

Glen, I must have misinterpreted what you meant but the part of your post that said
'...then after the holes are drilled, I split the two scales apart and thin them down from the back side only, keeping the contour intact.. It is harder to do this way but personally I think they look like sanded Popsicle sticks if you don't JMHO'
I read as saying that thinning from the back is the only option - otherwise they're popsicle sticks.

Apologies, Rob

I built a wood unit that bolts to the drill press table and it works great. Thickness and height adjustments are done by moving the table. Took some rejects out of the bin and turned them into clean 2.5mm blanks in three minutes flat.

Looks great,should work well.