Question about making custom scales for folders

[AntDog]

Hey guys! I am wanting to start making a few custom scales for folders. I have made a few knives before, but all of them have been fixed blades. My question is this - when shaping the outside edges of the scales, how can you do it with the scales off of the knife and have them math the liners flush? Do you make a template first and mount the scales to the template? Do you go ahead and mount the scales to the knife and grind away the excess material until it's flush? I'm really having a hard time even contemplating how to do this. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I grind the scales on the knife.

 

[flatblackcapo]

I grind the scales on the knife.

Me too. I use a Dremel , I am just very careful to only remove the scale material and not liner material. To be clear, I am talking about making scales for production folders. Also FLAT is your Friend! It may look flat but putting it on a surface plate will tell you for sure.

 

[AntDog]

So, roughly cut them to shape, drill the holes for the screws, mount them to the knife, finish the scales while attached to the knife, drill clip screws and do finishing work? Sounds good to me. Just wondering how it could be done.

Thanks fellas!

 

[procrastinator]

Where can I get counterbore flat bottom drill bits? I have some carbon fiber for scales on a damascus blank.I want to be able to re-etch the handle after the scales are done so the pattern shows. I don't want to pin it and the screws I have are flat bottom 5/16" head.