How do you get that perfekt fit wedge/scale fit?

[redbreast]

I am currently batteling this problem. Just wont get the perfect fit and that is very frustrating?
i don't have access to any fancy belt sander or such, only manual tools and sandpaper. I'd love to hear your tips on this because I just don't get the scales done.

/ Mattias

 

[Doc226]

I leave the wedge area on the scale unfinished. I the peen a wedge making sure that it protrudes from all sides. I have been putting a drop of crazy glue on one side just to hold it in place. Peen the scales together and then sand and shape the scakes and wedge together.

I am sure it can be done without power tools but a belt sander makes is much easier.

 

[Legion]

I leave the wedge area on the scale unfinished. I the peen a wedge making sure that it protrudes from all sides. I have been putting a drop of crazy glue on one side just to hold it in place. Peen the scales together and then sand and shape the scakes and wedge together.

I am sure it can be done without power tools but a belt sander makes is much easier.

I do similar. Sand the wedge by hand, with the paper on a flat surface to get it wedgy. Peen it with overhang, and then use a Dremel and paper to make it flush.

 

[mainaman]

Super glue the wedge to one of the scales, add the other scale with screws and then sand flush.
After you pin the scales you might have to adjust just a little bit. Works great for me every time.

 

[Krodor]

I do similar. Sand the wedge by hand, with the paper on a flat surface to get it wedgy. Peen it with overhang, and then use a Dremel and paper to make it flush.

that right there is a big key...otherwise you'll round it a bit and you'll have gaps. Been there, done that, learned that lesson.

 

[fast14riot]

I use my 9" disc grinder, but on softer materials ( or stinky ones like bone and ivory) I use paper on a granite surface plate.


-Xander

 

[tomjr]

i glue mine in on both sides before pinning then sand it to match or 2 my desired shape then pin. tom

 

[redbreast]

Lots of helping info on this. Thanks a LOT. Much appritiated.

 

[Kentos]

Sometimes you need to adjust the scales to center the blade, so I don't glue my wedges. Guys with better scale drilling skills likely glue theirs

 

[trick420]

Just keep your scale finish in mind when doing this technique. This can be very tricky for wood scales and wedge. If you sand down to flush on a set of finished scales, you will remove the finish on the end, so you have to consider that and be prepared/skilled at repairing that finish to get a clean look. Depending on the finish method it can be very easy (oil) or challenging (layered CA or a complex color/finish build like fumed oak for instance) or somewhere in between (Shellac).

If you're doing plastic, bone, horn, G10, micarta... Not as big of a deal since it's just a sanding and polishing job.

Also, if the wedge and scales are of different materials - say wood scales, metal wedge - you have to be patient with the sanding as aggressive sanding can cause the wood to sand at a different rate than the metal, which will cause all kinds of goofy problems. This is very common when sanding two woods that are of greatly different hardness, for instance.

 

[redbreast]

That may be some of the problem, have been doing scales and wedge apart with both finished and then for assembly. That has been tricky getting good fitting.

 

[boar.master]

Thanks for the tips. I will put my hands on a W&B wedge razor with no scales as soon as I have time.