Starting to Make Scales- Some Questions

[DrOpPoInT1110]

Hi guys. Well, I've been modifying (file-work and sculpting) stock G10 and FRN scales for quite some time now and decided I would begin making my own scales from G10 and maybe Micarta eventually. I ordered a couple sheets of different color G10 at 1/8" thickness as well as some .030" sheets to use as spacers between the scales and liners of the knives. So, I have some questions to ask those of you with some more experience.
1.) Any general suggestions with methods to use to sculpt G10? I use files and a Dremel right now. Any Dremel bits that would be useful to have?
2.) I plan on selling my scales eventually (after upgrading my membership) so for a set of sculpted G10, what would be a fair price to ask? What would be a good price for a set plus G10 spacers? I was thinking $30 for a set of sculpted scales and $35 for a sculpted set w/ spacers. Am I way off base with these?
3.) Any other general suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any info guys. Below are some pics of my work. Just some modified stock scales. Also made the clip on the skyline.

 

[Talesin]

How is G10 to work with? I would like to mess with it eventually for handle scales but the health risks that go along with it are kind of terrifying. Right now I am using micarta on my first knife that I am building but from searching around the commercially available micarta is only really available in about 3 to 5 colors, whereas with G10 I have seen at suppliers websites have probably 10x that amount of variety available in colors.

I can't help with any of your questions because I honestly have no idea. But, how did you do the texturing on the scales you have in the picture? Dremel?

 

[fast14riot]

Well for sculpting I would get sanding drums in different grits, files are good as well. Maybe some ball mills and rotary files. Do get a decent respirator an use it.

For price, take your cost of the sheet and break it down into a price per square inch. That is your cost per scale x 2 = cost per knife. Take a sampling of various aftermarket scales to get an idea of the market price for them. The difference is mark up. Now your sandpper and such is an expense that will be spread across a given amount of time (stock pile in $ divided average use in $ per day).

If your lucky you might have some left over to pay yourself a small wage!


BTW that clip on the Skyline looks good


-Xander

 

[Patrickknives]

I just skip the dremmel for scupting and go for a nice wood rasp, more control, really fast and alot less dust. Your can get any number of shapes in rasps to make your carving unique. When sanding I use a round dowl, wet/dry paper over a bucket of water, really goes fast and once again no dust.

If I was going to use a dremmel tool I would connect my dust collector system to my workbench, I wear a respirator but the dust goes everywhere. That is why I find the rasps and hand sanding better.

I think your pricing is fair, or maybe on the low side.

 

[DrOpPoInT1110]

How is G10 to work with? I would like to mess with it eventually for handle scales but the health risks that go along with it are kind of terrifying. Right now I am using micarta on my first knife that I am building but from searching around the commercially available micarta is only really available in about 3 to 5 colors, whereas with G10 I have seen at suppliers websites have probably 10x that amount of variety available in colors.

I can't help with any of your questions because I honestly have no idea. But, how did you do the texturing on the scales you have in the picture? Dremel?

I like working with G10 much more than Micarta. It is a bit more messy and does have some health risks. I have been using disposable masks but I think i'll have to get a respirator. The two top ones in the picture were done with a Dremel. Top one with a sanding drum and the green one with an engraving cutter bit. The Skyline was done with a round metal file. It is much less messy and you do get more control but it takes a considerable more amount of time. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Fast14riot, I'll have to try that formula. I will post pictures of my first set once they're done. Thanks again guys.