How do you guy cut scales?

R

razorhunter

Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Messages
470
Fellas,
Specifically talking about woods, micartas, and g10 mostly. Is the new HF bandsaw I ordered going to be useful for cutting folder scales, or is it going to be strictly good for rough cutting out the titanium parts?
I realize it probably CAN be done on the HF bandsaw, with "relief cut" and such, but I'm just asking you guys what tool you use to cut out knife scales out of the above mentioned, man made materials and woods?
I need to cut some knife scales out right now, and my new HF bandsaw will not be here for a few days. Should I go down to Home Depot or Sears and even mess with buying a scroll saw, or should I just wait for the HF bandsaw?
Finally, will the Lennox Bi Metal blades also cut the above mentioned materials, or are they only good for Ti and steels? Thanks fellas.
My computer at home has crashed, and I am running back and forth to the local library to surf the internet, and I don't have much time to search the net for all the info I usually need! Thanks for understanding guys!
 
Razor,

I use the HF bandsaw for cutting everything. I have a coarser toothed saw for wood and micarta and stuff, but am usually too lazy to switch blades. So everything gets cut with the 14-18 vari tooth.

It doesn't do curves. So I just make a few extra wedge cuts and then used the sander to finish off.

My vote is to save your money and skip the scroll saw.

Steve
 
Thanks bud. Yeah, I've got the 14-18 TIP bi metal Lenox coming, and the bandsaw itself, so maybe I'll just wait! Thanks!
 
You won't want a scrollsaw for cuting scales. Those little blades cut slow and burn up quick on the type of stuff you'd make scales out of. A better choice would be a woodcutting bandsaw, but the bandsaw your getting will work just fine, so no reason to buy another just for scales.
 
Also top handle jigsaws are pretty useful for "cutting to shape" and most of them have variable speed and easy to change saws. They are cheap tools too. I use my Black&Decker jigsaw often...
 
Thanks guys!
One more thing.
Will the bi-metal blade on the HF bandsaw be the best way to cut carbon fiber too? Thanks guys.
 
You can use a scrollsaw if you use a spiral blade. I use a jewelers saw with a spiral blade because my my bandsaw can't cut the kind of detail I need. Also, with the bands I use and the speed I run them at, a jewelers saw is just as fast.

- chris
 
Don't mix your blades. Use one for steel and one for handle material, especially G10 and CF. You might want to consider getting some flex back carbon steel blades that are cheaper for cutting the handle material (cheaper).

If you get into cutting Ti, do the same thing. One for Ti, one for steel, and one for handle material. You'll find they all last longer. CF and G10 will dull the teeth very fast.

You can also find 8-10 tpi that work great for handle material.
 
I don't have a band saw so I use a jigsaw turned upside down and locked in a vice, works like a charm. Wear some gloves, sometimes the scales will jump around alot...could break some digits.
 
I have a ridiculously huge delta bandsaw..used only for scales. I got mad when my benchtop model walked right off my bench..id like to see em carry out this monster lol.
 
I use a coping or jewelers saw. I hand saw my handles. Never needed to use a power saw yet.
Scott
 
I have seen truck bedliner material used as scales. Cuts with sharp edge, bevels nicely, epoxies well, can come in several thicknesses, in several colors, an is as sturdy as rayskin. It is the hot setting type from AmaraLiner/Linex.
It can actually be ordered in sheets, in almost any color. They even have a glow in the dark version.
 
Matt Shade said:
You won't want a scrollsaw for cuting scales. Those little blades cut slow and burn up quick on the type of stuff you'd make scales out of. A better choice would be a woodcutting bandsaw, but the bandsaw your getting will work just fine, so no reason to buy another just for scales.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm lucky and already have one, but it only goes about 2" in 1/4" G10 before the blade is shot. It becomes almost smooth where it contacts the G10. :eek:
What you are getting oughta work, I have no experience with a bandsaw, but from what i've heard it should work fine.
 
im a newly wed and my wife and i dont have much money, so i bought a 3 dollar coping saw at harbour freight, works fine. Takes a while to cut the canvas micarta, but theres something uniquely honest about cutting it by hand. Gives it more of that hand made feel.
 
metacarpels said:
im a newly wed and my wife and i dont have much money, so i bought a 3 dollar coping saw at harbour freight, works fine. Takes a while to cut the canvas micarta, but theres something uniquely honest about cutting it by hand. Gives it more of that hand made feel.
Click to expand...
You can get a more aggressive tooth blade for them that will make cutting a bit faster.
Scott
 
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