Tumbling G10 scales

propbuildervash

propbuildervash

Joined
Jan 4, 2011
Messages
528
Hello BF,

I am working on making some G10 scales for my sons very first knife. I picked G10 mostly due to its durable nature.

I will be finishing shaping the scales tomorrow. I was thinking about texturing the grips. i dont have access to a media blasting cabinet but I do have access to a stainless media tumbler.

Has anyone attempted tumbling G10 before? If so how did it come out and how agressive was the SS media?

I am going to tumble a test peice tomorrow and will post the results assuming it works at all.
 
OK, so to start answering my own questions. No, G10 does not float which is great as it will allow me to attempt to tumble a sample. I have the G10 in the tumbler as we speak.

Here are the before pics. I will post updated images tonight once the G10 has had time to tumble.

2021-05-05-09-50-40.jpg

2021-05-05-09-51-54.jpg
 
I don't have an answer regarding tumbling G10, I just wanted to mention, in case you didn't know, that textured G10 is available. USAKnifemaker.com has orange, black, and od green in stock. It's referred to as "Peel Ply" because you peel off an outer cover to reveal the textured surface. In orange they only have 1/8" and 3/16" thicknesses and they come in "medium" or "coarse".

The "coarse" is a bit aggressive (rough), but it could always be sanded down a bit to make it less so.

Anyways, just thought I'd mention it. :)
 
That is a very good point, unfortunately I was not aware of the prior to ordering my scales. So now I am trying to see of I can to create some texture via tumbling is lieu of media blasting. I suspect it will do absolutely nothing overall but thought it an interesting experiment.
 
I have tumbled a few different plastics using the same plastic media for aluminum and it tumbled just fine. I doubt SS will do much but it will be interesting to see, I think you will want a somewhat abrasive media. What kind of tumbler are you using? I like the vibratory type and at least 1-2 hp.

After working with composites for a long time the idea of having that in my pocket next to my nuts really sends shivers down my spine. Many years ago I made many polyester sailboards and still vividly remember having the "itchies" after grinding the laminate smooth before the topcoat.
 
I am using a Franklin rotary tumber, I have a vibratory tumbler and walnut media, but I assumed the SS media would be more abrasive than the Walnut. Yeah I wouldn't want G10 dust or rough cut G10 anywhere near my pants pockets!
 
If the SS media doesn't work you might want to try pea gravel wet.
 
I may have to try some, after 8 hours of tumbing with SS pins the G10 was clean but otherwise totally unaffected. So, the moral of this story is tumbling with SS pins does nothing besides knocking off the loose fibers and polishing G10.
 
I've done quite a bit of scale work about 10 years ago. If you want a grippy feel to G10, skip the tumbler and opt for an aggressive media in a bead blaster. The closer you get to the G10 with the nozzle and the longer you dwell on an area will open up the softer resin and expose the fabric.
 
what all do i need equipment wise to do sandblasting? I think I have a decent enough compressor for small sandblasting projects
 
Last edited:
If you want to go on the cheap, Harbor Freight or Tractor Supply ought to have a small blast cabinet under $200. You’ll need a bag of aluminum oxide or silicon carbide blast media.
 
Yeah, unit ought to come with a gun and possibly a variety of tip sizes. A 40 gallon compressor that runs about 100-125 psi you will want as well , although a smaller tank will work. I wouldnt worry about a moisture separator, just remember to purge your compressor tank when you are done
 
:\ looks like the costs will add up pretty fast. My compressor is too small 27 gal, 5.5CF @ 90 which is less than even the smaller media gun which calls for 7.5CFM @ 90. Looks like I'd need a bigger compressor as well. 600 for a compressor, 200 for a cabinet, and 25 for media, that is a lot of money for a $100 knife. I will likely have to outsource this job. I work on stuff like this as a hobby only,
 
You could call around your area to either machine shops, or car repair shops and ask if they have a bead blaster. And ask how much it would cost to do what you want.
Or I am sure there are plenty of service providers here on BF that would be able to help you out for not a whole lot of money
 
A bag of pea gravel at the garden center is pretty cheap. The only downsides are various sizes and it breaks down so it will fill any holes in your parts, and can be a PITA to remove.
 
Another way to increase the texture of G10 is to use a dremel and an engraving attachment to "jig" the surface, creating little divots and ridges. It's not an uncommon practice, and I've seen it done with excellent results.
 
Last edited:
Your compressor will work fine for small jobs like knives.
 
Barry, I blame you! ;) ok. well I got a blast cabinet and a small gun that rated at a lower CFM. since the job is small im hoping that it will be more forgiving. I honestly spent more time time assembling the fetchin cabinet that working on the scales by a factor of 4! It took 5 hours to put that monster together. I'm gonna go back through and caulk it too for extra sealing.

Cabinet should be fully ready to go by the time my new sanding belts arrive on Tuesday.

Jeff
 
Last edited:
propbuildervash said:
Barry, I blame you! ;) ok. well I got a blast cabinet and a small gun that rated at tua lower CFM. since the job is small im hoping that it will be more forgiving. i honestly spent more time time assembling the fetchin cabinet that working on the scales by a factor of 4! It took 5 hours to put that monster together. I'm gonna go back through and caulk it too for extra sealing.

Cabinet should be fully ready to go by the time my new sanding belts arrive on tuesday.

Jeff
Click to expand...
It's not to the first I've been blamed for something like this! Good luck and I'm willing to help you out with questions.........
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top