Help with scales

[KZero]

Hey everyone, I'm kinda new around here, but I've been lurking and reading for a while. I really like this forum.

I'm hoping for some help with a restoration I've started. I've already cleaned up the blade, and when I started sanding the scales, they give off a menthol-type smell. Is that a normal characteristic of celluloid? Or of some other material? I've never handled ivory, but somehow I doubt it would smell that way. I've included a picture, so maybe that will help.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Puerco]

Camphor was used in celluloid until 1927 and was used as a plasticizer, after that it was replaced with vinegar.
You have to be careful with those scales as they are highly flammable so keep them away from heat or open flames.

 

[Doc226]

What he ^ said.

When sanding ivory it smells like teeth (because it is).

I usually wear a respirator when sanding so I don't smell anything.

 

[KZero]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

After the first time I smelled them and didn't know what I was dealing with, I took them outside to sand, and switched to wet sanding to keep the dust down.

 

[KZero]

And while I'm thinking of it, does anyone have any idea how celluloid will react to being sealed under a CA finish? These cleaned up pretty well, I'd hate to melt them or something by trying to seal them.

Thanks again.

 

[Doc226]

And while I'm thinking of it, does anyone have any idea how celluloid will react to being sealed under a CA finish? These cleaned up pretty well, I'd hate to melt them or something by trying to seal them.

Thanks again.

I have glued them without issues. I would try the inside first

 

[pmaster]

You souldn't have to "seal" celluloid scales. Just buffing them up with some mag/metal polish should get you a very nice mirror finish.

 

[KZero]

Thanks, that's good to know.

I was wondering more about sealing against de-gassing in the future. I just got the blade all nice and shiny, I'd hate to find it corroded one day a few months down the line.

 

[pmaster]

Hmm, if the celluloid is "gassing" I'm thinking it may be better to get new ones? (I think that happens when they get too old, but might be wrong) Maybe someone more knowledgeable will come in, but usually I don't think many people put a CA coat over celluloid.

A nice shiny buff with mag polish does wonders to restore scales Actually, use it on the blade too if you haven't already?

 

[global_dev]

I think who have tried found disappointing results per sealing celluloid as in not helping

 

[KZero]

Hmm, if the celluloid is "gassing" I'm thinking it may be better to get new ones? (I think that happens when they get too old, but might be wrong) Maybe someone more knowledgeable will come in, but usually I don't think many people put a CA coat over celluloid.
Yeah, that's the boat I'm in; I don't know enough yet about celluloid to know if they are close to rotting or not. Heck, I didn't even know they were celluloid until I started this thread! Still doing a lot of learning here.
There was no pitting on the part of the blade covered by the scales, so I think it's safe to assume they aren't on the way out just yet. I was thinking more as a preventive measure.

A nice shiny buff with mag polish does wonders to restore scales Actually, use it on the blade too if you haven't already?
I have, indeed. I brought it to a not-quite-mirror shine. (I find the full-on mirror treatment a bit distracting when it catches the light just right and give me a starburst while I'm trying to see where my blade is going.)

Thanks to you and Doc for all the advice. I think I'll just buff them and then keep an eye on them.