Handle scales longer than 5

[J_mcrane]

I'm working on an old machete of my grandfathers. I need to replace the broken handle on a parang but I need scales longer than 5. Where can I get them?

 

[ncrockclimb]

I thought this would be easy, but a few minutes on Google showed me that scales longer than 5" are not readily available. However, you could go to a wood supplier like http://www.rockler.com/maple-by-the-piece-1-2-thickness and get piece of wood that is larger than you need. I don't think it would be that hard to cut it down to size. If you have the skill to make the scales from a knife scale blank, then doing it with a larger piece of wood wouldn't seem to be that much more difficult...

All that being said, I am not a craftsman or a knife maker. Someone with more experience might point out a gaping hole in my suggestion. I think it is cool that you are restoring your granddad's machete. Good luck with the project and post up pics when you are finished.

 

[killgar]

Do the handles need to be wood?

You could buy a 12" sheet of micarta from Knifekits.com. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, and you have a choice of black or brown.

 

[J_mcrane]

I figured wood would be easier to work with

 

[Butcher1]

Try to find something local, in a lot of wood shops or lumber yards you'll be able to find scrap pieces for free or very cheap

They would probably even resaw it too if you ask nice

 

[bodog]

I'm working on an old machete of my grandfathers. I need to replace the broken handle on a parang but I need scales longer than 5. Where can I get them?

How nice do you want it and how much are you willing to spend? You can get a nice 12 inch or so piece of turkish (circassian) walnut and have someone cut it in half. Make sure the piece is as thick as you will need once cut. They use turkish walnut a lot for high end gun stocks so they're cut longer and they finish beautifully, especially on longer pieces where the grain and figure can really be shown.

This dude has a big selection of various sizes.

http://www.turkishwalnut.net/walnut_lumbers.html

 

[killgar]

I figured wood would be easier to work with

I've worked with both and would say they are equally easy. I use the same tools for each.

One of the benefits of micarta is there is no risk of cracking, splitting, or splintering (it has no grain like wood). And there's no risk that there might be some unseen hairline crack in the grain that will cause problems later. It really sucks when you're just about finished making a wooden handle, and you find a hairline crack in the wood.

Also, there's no need to apply any sort of finish or sealant. And less chance of breakage if the item is dropped or impacts something hard.

Wood is nice, I just happen to prefer micarta.

 

[bodog]

I've worked with both and would say they are equally easy. I use the same tools for each.

One of the benefits of micarta is there is no risk of cracking, splitting, or splintering (it has no grain like wood). And there's no risk that there might be some unseen hairline crack in the grain that will cause problems later. It really sucks when you're just about finished making a wooden handle, and you find a hairline crack in the wood.

Also, there's no need to apply any sort of finish or sealant. And less chance of breakage if the item is dropped or impacts something hard.

Wood is nice, I just happen to prefer micarta.

But wood looks so much better and is very durable in its own right. If I wanted a tool to use today, I'd probably use micarta or something similar. If I was reworking a tool my grandfather used, I'd probably make it pretty and hang it from a wall.

That axe would look killer with some really nicely dyed curly maple. Having handles on the machete that matched would look killer mounted on something.

 

[Pondoro2310]

Do you want it pretty or durable or both?

How much woodworking have you done?

 

[J_mcrane]

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give myself a four or five. I am concerned about putting the pins in the handle

 

[Turkish walnut]

Thank you my friend. Yes, i have a big selection of various sizes.

How nice do you want it and how much are you willing to spend? You can get a nice 12 inch or so piece of turkish (circassian) walnut and have someone cut it in half. Make sure the piece is as thick as you will need once cut. They use turkish walnut a lot for high end gun stocks so they're cut longer and they finish beautifully, especially on longer pieces where the grain and figure can really be shown.

This dude has a big selection of various sizes.

http://www.turkishwalnut.net/walnut_lumbers.html

 

[bodog]

Thank you my friend. Yes, i have a big selection of various sizes.

I'm almost in the market for some nice walnut. Once I finish up the batch of knives I'm currently working on I'll be hitting you up. You have some seriously beautiful pieces to choose from.

 

[Bo T]

There is a product called Dymondwood that has a very good look to it and a 5"x10" piece will only set you back @ $10.

 

[Danketch]

I have had good luck on the large auction site. I mainly get Ironwood. Most of them list the dimensions. I bought a few 3/8" thick x 6" long bookmatched scales for between $10-15 a pair, I recall.

 

[Bo T]

Thought of this but I couldn't reply earlier. Corby bolts are an easy way to affix your scales along with some 24 hr epoxy. A drill press works well with a regular bit for the through hole and a brad bit for the counter sink. Let us see how things turn out.

 

[Kybosshog]

Hardware store (lowes) under $4. Hardwood section 1/2 in thick, 1 & 1/2 in wide, 3 foot long. Handle in pic is 6 in long on the knife I cut out of a cold steel heavy machete.
Kiln-Dried Red Oak Board (Common: 1-in x 2-in x 24-in; Actual: 0.75-in x 1.5-in x 24-in) under $3 at lowes

I use black (unshaken) stain and rub on just the thinner stain from the top layer and it only stains the deep grain and a paper towel with apple cider vinegar for the blade finish.