Even though I have 100% confidence in DOAT's scales and spacers (which are on the way), I know I'm eventually going to want a custom backspacer. It's the nature of the beast.
I'll love to hear any input. What works, what doesn't, horror stories.
My material choices are
brass (Sandwiched inside blue-black scales it will look excellent or horrific, I don't see a middle ground). Good strong easy to work
[/URL]IMG_20140508_135520[1] by Nine4t4, on Flickr[/IMG]
Dymondwood. I've used it for lockpick handles. The above picture is from my phone and 85 percent done. The patterns can be nice, there are many color combos and it's at least as tough as g10 or Micarta. The problem is that I'd be using penblanks and they are only 5/8" sq, by 5" long. I don't think it's enough material for a full length spacer
Acylic Acetate. The pearly blue black from lee valley would look good, but I don't know how it would hold up. How structural is the backspacer? Easier to work, but I don't know if I need to reinforce, and the first source is also penblanks
Stabilized wood? HUGE choice of materials, A blue stained birdseye would work. I can't see a downside
I've also worked with leather impregnated with epoxy, like making a leather washer handle. Stable and can be worked like wood. What it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in being leather.
As can be seen I am torn between matching the scales and contrasting them with a more rustic choice. I can easily swap out materials down the road, but if I can learn from others experience....
Any input is appreciated, especially if it circumvents headaches and "WHY DID I DO THAT?".
I'll love to hear any input. What works, what doesn't, horror stories.
My material choices are
brass (Sandwiched inside blue-black scales it will look excellent or horrific, I don't see a middle ground). Good strong easy to work
Dymondwood. I've used it for lockpick handles. The above picture is from my phone and 85 percent done. The patterns can be nice, there are many color combos and it's at least as tough as g10 or Micarta. The problem is that I'd be using penblanks and they are only 5/8" sq, by 5" long. I don't think it's enough material for a full length spacer
Acylic Acetate. The pearly blue black from lee valley would look good, but I don't know how it would hold up. How structural is the backspacer? Easier to work, but I don't know if I need to reinforce, and the first source is also penblanks
Stabilized wood? HUGE choice of materials, A blue stained birdseye would work. I can't see a downside
I've also worked with leather impregnated with epoxy, like making a leather washer handle. Stable and can be worked like wood. What it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in being leather.
As can be seen I am torn between matching the scales and contrasting them with a more rustic choice. I can easily swap out materials down the road, but if I can learn from others experience....
Any input is appreciated, especially if it circumvents headaches and "WHY DID I DO THAT?".