Need input on scales

A

alrany187

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Apr 1, 2011
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I just received a pair of redwood root scales from Burl Source. They are absolutely beautiful! They are not stabilized and I was wondering if it was best to cut them to shape before stabilizing, stabilize first, or don't worry about it. BTW, they'll be adorning my BK-7.
 
I'd think the wood will swell a bit during the stabilization process. If it were me, I'd get it stabilized first, wait a while to make sure it's completely dry/cured & stable, then cut the slabs to shape. Wouldn't want the scales to swell, warp or change shape from the stabilization, after they're already cut.

Hopefully, some others with hands-on experience in such things will weigh in on this.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
I'd think the wood will swell a bit during the stabilization process. If it were me, I'd get it stabilized first, wait a while to make sure it's completely dry/cured & stable, then cut the slabs to shape. Wouldn't want the scales to swell, warp or change shape from the stabilization, after they're already cut.

Hopefully, some others with hands-on experience in such things will weigh in on this.
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Thanks David, that's the kind of input I was hoping for.

Ellis
 
alrany187 said:
Thanks David, that's the kind of input I was hoping for.

Ellis
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You're welcome, Ellis.

As I 'implied' earlier, I don't have any hands-on experience at doing this. But I've been pretty curious about it for a long while. I'm hoping to give it a go with one of my knives, someday.

If you do follow through on this project, don't be shy about sharing the results with us. Pics would be great! :)
 
Redwood is considered to be fairly stable so long as it's properly sealed after being worked.
you could probably get away with doing all your shaping and then sealing it with danish oil.
 
If they are going on a hard use knife like the BK-7, I would stabilize them first rather then use danish oil. It will make the redwood much harder and denser. Un-stabilized redwood is fairly soft and would dent/break much easier and would absorb water and swell depending on the conditions you are using the blade in.
 
The scales you got were cut from the root so they are a little bit more durable than normal redwood.
If you get them stabilized they can move a bit during the heat cure. So it is best to cut and sand afterward. You will probably need to true up the flat side. Do this by taping sandpaper to a piece of glass and sand till flat.
If you don't get them stabilized i suggest an oil finish. Some of the makers use CA glue (super glue) on soft woods to make a hard surface. You apply to the surface, let it soak in and repeat. Sand in between coats. It is kind of messy and overall a PIA in my opinion but the end results can be nice.

If things get messed up, let me know and I will get you hooked up with some stabilized scales, no charge.
I have several boxes of wood coming back from K&G next week.
 
Burl Source said:
The scales you got were cut from the root so they are a little bit more durable than normal redwood.

If things get messed up, let me know and I will get you hooked up with some stabilized scales, no charge.
I have several boxes of wood coming back from K&G next week.
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I had my eyes on a set of stabilized redwood burl scales that were gorgeous. But apparently someone else appreciated them even more than I and grabbed them. I am asking these questions to prevent messing them up as much as possible. As much as I appreciate your offer, I couldn't accept free when I messed them up. But I would certainly be glad to buy another set from you.

Ellis
 
woodysone said:
If they are going on a hard use knife like the BK-7, I would stabilize them first rather then use danish oil. It will make the redwood much harder and denser. Un-stabilized redwood is fairly soft and would dent/break much easier and would absorb water and swell depending on the conditions you are using the blade in.
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Thanks Woodysone. I have decided to go and try the stabilization. I'm going to stabilize first and then cut and shape as Mark said.

Ellis
 
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