Okay I'm looking at making some wood scales I've done some poking around, however I would really appreciate any clarification or extra advice on the topic.
The Materials
I have picked up some Dark Oak "8mmx44mm", it seems dry but not seasoned (I'm no chippy though). I've got enough to make 50 or so scales so trial an error is in my favor.
I've got some 2mm Brass rod and Nickel/Steel Washers, I've also got a range of modelling Styrene which i'm hoping I can use for a wedge
The Tools
I have ranges of sandpaper, Chisels, Various wood working hand saws, Planes and a hand drill with a 2mm titanium drill bit.
I don't think I can get access to a workbench drill, the closest I could get would be to let someone else do it.
The questions
Bracing
I've heard a lot about wood needed some stabilization/backing, i.e metals fireglass. Is this required and how do you solve the glueing, expansion, contraction issues?
In my mind I would look at simple carving out a section on the inside of the scales in between the two pin holes and putting a plate in that void so it would hopefully brace the middle of the scales where warping causes the biggest problem, how does this sound or would just extra varnish coats on the inside do the job?
Thickness
I've got no real experience with wood scales, is there any real issue with thickness? I am using oak which isn't know for its flexibility, but if anyone has any I would be interested to know how thick they are, and if that is with a backing or not?
Wedges
From the photos i have looked at I see wood scales tend to have thicker wedges, lots which appear as if the scale sits perfectly parallel with the razor I take it this is the general trend?
Finishes
Okay this is a two part question, one on material and another on technique. So what to use I've read somewhere about CA or Tung Oil, since a razor has to be handled and water resistant I am not so confident on using an ordinary wood varnish, any advice on product here or should I go down to my local joiners and ask there adivce as well?
The second thing is technique, from my previous wood work I have always noticed if I brush apply a varnish it warps the wood a little, do you submerse the wood in the product and hang dry it, anything on technique would be wonderful?
Thank you very much for any advice you can give I promise I will post some pictures when I start doing this, currently i am waiting for my barbers notch Mappin & Webb Royal to arrive to check the scale conditions before i choose which is going to be my test project blade.
The Materials
I have picked up some Dark Oak "8mmx44mm", it seems dry but not seasoned (I'm no chippy though). I've got enough to make 50 or so scales so trial an error is in my favor.
I've got some 2mm Brass rod and Nickel/Steel Washers, I've also got a range of modelling Styrene which i'm hoping I can use for a wedge
The Tools
I have ranges of sandpaper, Chisels, Various wood working hand saws, Planes and a hand drill with a 2mm titanium drill bit.
I don't think I can get access to a workbench drill, the closest I could get would be to let someone else do it.
The questions
Bracing
I've heard a lot about wood needed some stabilization/backing, i.e metals fireglass. Is this required and how do you solve the glueing, expansion, contraction issues?
In my mind I would look at simple carving out a section on the inside of the scales in between the two pin holes and putting a plate in that void so it would hopefully brace the middle of the scales where warping causes the biggest problem, how does this sound or would just extra varnish coats on the inside do the job?
Thickness
I've got no real experience with wood scales, is there any real issue with thickness? I am using oak which isn't know for its flexibility, but if anyone has any I would be interested to know how thick they are, and if that is with a backing or not?
Wedges
From the photos i have looked at I see wood scales tend to have thicker wedges, lots which appear as if the scale sits perfectly parallel with the razor I take it this is the general trend?
Finishes
Okay this is a two part question, one on material and another on technique. So what to use I've read somewhere about CA or Tung Oil, since a razor has to be handled and water resistant I am not so confident on using an ordinary wood varnish, any advice on product here or should I go down to my local joiners and ask there adivce as well?
The second thing is technique, from my previous wood work I have always noticed if I brush apply a varnish it warps the wood a little, do you submerse the wood in the product and hang dry it, anything on technique would be wonderful?
Thank you very much for any advice you can give I promise I will post some pictures when I start doing this, currently i am waiting for my barbers notch Mappin & Webb Royal to arrive to check the scale conditions before i choose which is going to be my test project blade.