Attaching Stag Scales???

[hollowdweller]

Hey Y'all?

I have this blade I want to put stag scales on but I have never used any stag before, especially gnarly irregular stuff.


First is there a danger of stag tearing out when the bit goes thru it like wood?
If so what is the best bit/technique to avoid this??

Second, what is the best way to assure that the hole I drill thru the irregular stag is perpendicular to the tang? Do I want to use a little bubble level or something and sort of shim it up to make sure the bit is going straight down thru it????

Third since you want to not grind off the "bark" of the stag what is the best way to set pins in it? I was speculating possibly gluing both scales on and drilling the holes, then measuring and marking the depth of the holes with a wooden dowel or something?? and then cutting and polishing the ends of the pins and lanyard hole before inserting them??

Any tips greatly appreciated?:thumbup:

 

[Patrickknives]

I get the stag fitted to the guard and sanded to the thickness I want, you can take off the bottom leaving the bark, or you can sand the bark depending on the look you want. I leave the stag wider and longer than the handle until it pinned into place.

I clamp one side of the stag to the handle, clamp the handle to a bar of steel that is held in a vice, the bar is 90 degrees to the drill bit and then drill through the handle into the stag. ( drill a large hole in the bar of steel or peek the pin location from the side or end of the bar) (drill the pin holes in the handle first) this way the pins are straight. After drilling each hole I put a pin in to insure that they will all line up when I am done. remove and repeat for the second side.

Break through is not a real problem if you use sharp bits and go slow, the surface can chip.