Silver Wire Inlay on Thin handle material?

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

So I have a set of scales of curly maple that are .150 thick and I would like to have them inlay-ed with some silver wire. The friend that I sent them to thinks that they are too thin and that he will split them when cutting the grove with his chisel.

So any suggestions on inlaying thin scales?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chuck

 

[deker]

Glue them to a piece of vulcanized spacer as a support mechanism? I know this is what folks do with mammoth tooth to keep it from cracking and chipping out. You can grind the spacer off after the fact.

Just a thought...

-d

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I would agree with your friend....they are too thin. The way to get thin inlay is to inlay it thick and sand it down when done. If you want to take the chance with this set, glue the scales to a block of maple. Let it cure well. Use very small inlay wire, about .10X.015 . If he goes easy with it, he should be OK. After the inlay is done, the block off about 1/8" from the scales and sand to remove the rest of the block.

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

I have figured out a solution!