Tips For Custom Scales?

[samdaman89]

Hey everybody, I recently ordered some 1/8" g10 and I was hoping to start making some custom scales for some of my cheaper folders (starting with my kershaw emerson). I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some tips for doing so? Such as dremel vs. belt sander, best dremel attachments, drilling screw holes, and anything else you guys can come up with. Also, I have fallen in love with carbon fiber and was wondering how much harder that is to work with? How about micarta too?

Thank you
Sam

 

[Fish30114]

Firstly, there are lots of folks more better than me to advise you around here. A couple things I can tell you, either G-10 or especially Carbon Fiber put off some bad stuff when working them. My favorite scale man recently quit working with CF because he isn't set up for it--read that as not having serious dust handling/removal equipment, and air filtering equipment. Those that do work with CF have advised me strongly to invest in air filtration/dust removal, and wear long sleeve clothing. G-10 is not a whole lot better, it's basically glass fibers suspended in resin. Micarta, although not harmless, is probably the most innocuous of the materials you listed. I'll watch this thread anxiously for info on drilling etc. that is not super simple, but I'm sure the right tools are the key.

Good luck on your quest for info.

 

[samdaman89]

Firstly, there are lots of folks more better than me to advise you around here. A couple things I can tell you, either G-10 or especially Carbon Fiber put off some bad stuff when working them. My favorite scale man recently quit working with CF because he isn't set up for it--read that as not having serious dust handling/removal equipment, and air filtering equipment. Those that do work with CF have advised me strongly to invest in air filtration/dust removal, and wear long sleeve clothing. G-10 is not a whole lot better, it's basically glass fibers suspended in resin. Micarta, although not harmless, is probably the most innocuous of the materials you listed. I'll watch this thread anxiously for info on drilling etc. that is not super simple, but I'm sure the right tools are the key.

Good luck on your quest for info.

Thanks a bunch for the info, I think I'll hold off on the CF until I get a more premenant workplace setup.

 

[BellaBlades]

Biggest tip is have fun and make some mistakes. It will come to you. Ive been machining and creating all kinds of crap since I was allowed to as a child.

Micarta seems to be the worst on my tools, bits, and saw blades.

I use a drill press to drill the body and pivot holes. Using gauge pins to hold things in exact place. Followed by cutting the main shape within a millimeter of the template with a band saw. Finishing with a router cabinet I built with a flush cut. Then a few angled attachements for different types of bevel work.
I use counter bore bits and countersinks for the screw holes. And finish by hand with sand paper, scotchbrite and a 1HP two speed buffing wheel for finish work when needed.
Cant say much about a dremel, I never use one.
Wear a respirator. All I have is a box fan in the shop for now blowing out and lung protection.

I just soak everything in mineral oil to prevent dust. Or WD40 depending on the material. Whatever is safe to apply
Matt

 

[samdaman89]

Biggest tip is have fun and make some mistakes. It will come to you. Ive been machining and creating all kinds of crap since I was allowed to as a child.

Micarta seems to be the worst on my tools, bits, and saw blades.

I use a drill press to drill the body and pivot holes. Using gauge pins to hold things in exact place. Followed by cutting the main shape within a millimeter of the template with a band saw. Finishing with a router cabinet I built with a flush cut. Then a few angled attachements for different types of bevel work.
I use counter bore bits and countersinks for the screw holes. And finish by hand with sand paper, scotchbrite and a 1HP two speed buffing wheel for finish work when needed.
Cant say much about a dremel, I never use one.
Wear a respirator. All I have is a box fan in the shop for now blowing out and lung protection.

I just soak everything in mineral oil to prevent dust. Or WD40 depending on the material. Whatever is safe to apply
Matt

Thanks for those tips Matt, I really appreciate it. I also checked out some of your scale work, and I must say that you do some amazing things. Keep up the good work.
Sam

 

[n7titan]

I've had my dremel for a while now and in using it for a bunch of projects I have to say it's not easy. If you have a speed adjustable one it'd be best. Mine's 1 speed; meaning I have to be super precise with all my cuts/grinds or the bit will bite deep into the material.

Above all else for dremels, let the speed of the tool take away material, don't "cut" into it.

The dremel is handy for contouring or making finger reliefs but a big belt sander is probably best for profiling the entire scale. It's really difficult to make large, straight, strokes with a dremel.