Tools required to make custom scales?

L

Latro27

Joined
Nov 15, 2012
Messages
24
I'm considering trying to make custom scales, but don't know what tools I need. I'm thinking:

Dremel
Scale material
Screw bits for disassembly

I'm not looking to make super fancy scales, just simple ones.

What else do you think I'd need?

(if this is the wrong forum, I apologize)
 
-Drill for screw holes
-dust mask. Micarta, g10, and some woods fine dust should not be inhaled
-belt sander to help shape

Hope this help.
 
A high quality respirator and eye protection should be at the top of your list. Tools can be replaced easily, eyes and lungs, not so much.
 
Latro27 said:
I'm considering trying to make custom scales, but don't know what tools I need. I'm thinking:

Dremel
Scale material
Screw bits for disassembly

I'm not looking to make super fancy scales, just simple ones.

What else do you think I'd need?

(if this is the wrong forum, I apologize)
Click to expand...

el0147 said:
-Drill for screw holes
-dust mask. Micarta, g10, and some woods fine dust should not be inhaled
-belt sander to help shape

Hope this help.
Click to expand...

If you can't run/afford a belt sander here is an alternate method that the count provides in his "The Count's Standard Reply to New Knifemakers V27"

12345678910 said:
Have a look at this
Handle Tutorial - Nick Wheeler-PDF http://www.mediafire.com/?02ra4do6xyzayeq
Click to expand...

It's a lengthy read but well worth it.
 
I've heard that it is good to keep the micarta/carbon-fibre/G10/etc. wet while grinding to reduce dust. Even so, it's best to have good breathing and eye protection.
 
For me, I keep bucket of water and a wet towel on hand. I always have the scales wet, and every so often I wipe away the materials on top. Can't see any dust forming, but I still wear a dust mask just in case. And a file, saw, sandpaper, and a drill are really all that's needed to make the scales. The belt sander does help a lot, but definitely not necessary.
 
I do almost all my work by hand without power tools. The one exception is the drill press - which can't be beat for drilling straight true holes and counterbores. I use a coping saw to rough out the blank, then I use a set of japanese carving files to trim the scales to the proper shape and size. I use those files for shaping the scales as well. I finish up using sand paper - starting at 80 grit for shaping and ending up at 1000/1200/1500 grit depending on the finish desired. I've found that the Klingspor Gold shop rolls are the best for this type of work. They don't clog and don't wear out very quickly. I also have an arbor press and some pin stock cut down to size so that I can mount the scales for drilling accurate holes and fitting them to the blade.

I use a dust mask and eye protection when working on scales - but I normally work on natural wood and micarta. I take extra precautions when working with stabilized wood, G-10 and CF.

TedP
 
+1 on the coping saw. You really don't need that much in the way of tools. If you want to do patterns a dremel is nice but you can get the same results with hand files, it just takes alot longer. The faster your tool is the faster you can make a mistake.If I had to choose only one power tool it would be a drill press.You can do alot with a drill press! You can use it as a mill(it does reduce the life of your drill press though) and get some really cool patterns.The first scales I made I used a coping saw,dremel,hand drill and the sidewalk to sand them.Good luck with your project. I would like to see your knife when you are done.
 
A cheap, Harbor Freight drill press and belt sander will be all that you need.

Of course, if you don't want to lay down 200 on power tools, get some files, and do it by hand.
I'm not a big fan of the dremel, but if you can use it properly, go ahead.
 
Latro27 said:
I'm considering trying to make custom scales
Click to expand...

What kind of scales?
1) flat scales for fixed blade knives?
2) scales for fixed blade knives to be put on with adhesive?
3) scales for fixed blade knives that bolt on like Beckers and so forth?

For anything with holes in it I think a drill press is essential.

I have made some wood scales for fixed blades, put on with epoxy and bolts or pins. I have a HarborFreight drill press and it works very well for my light use.
I have a Sears 4" wide belt sander that I use for shaping then I finish with sandpaper. I think wood rasps and files would help with the shaping. I also think small drum sanders to go in a drill press might be helpful.

I make no pretensions about being a knifemaker, I can barely do the easy part of making the scales:

IMG_2605b.jpg


IMG_2610b.jpg


IMG_2611b.jpg


DSC_6677b.jpg
 
A vice, I've made two handles with pins for fixed blades. I use a dremel (might try coping saw next time though) to rough shape, and then sandpaper to form as I said, after materials it is possible to do it that way to (oh, and masking tape to cover up the sharp bit while you work), but I'm getting a vice to make ti easier :)
BK16 with brass pins, (oh and yeah, I'll never be a craftsman :p)
104_0643.jpg

104_0645.jpg
 
and a drill press...there's really no way around that one, if you have a dremel then there is a jig you can buy to attach it ti and use as a drill press, with patience it might be a cheaper alternative
 
a drill press is a must. i made scales with just a dremel and it worked... but i probably gotten a good 10 gray hairs in the process.
 
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