scale integrity question

[joe9knives]

when working with hardwood to cut scales out of can you cut against the grain to get a better pattern or does this make the wood more apt to crack. I was taught to cut with the grain.

 

[GibsonFan]

I think you definitely want to stabilize it if you're going to run the grain sideways. There was a thread about this sometime back; folks pretty much unanimously recommended against doing this, as I recall.

 

[C L Wilkins]

Do you mean like this???

This is cross-cut zebrawood.

Cross cut wood is DEFINITELY no less stronger than most any burl. Having stated that, if it is used for scales, there would no problem whatsoever. You may have to be more particular with a hidden tang knife. If it is stabilized, I wouldn't be concerned at all, if it is done properly.

Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Craig

 

[joe9knives]

thanks for the info. I really like that zebrawood. I think I'll give it a shot.