Scale problems

[Tony]

Upto now I have never had a problem with the scales of a gold dollar. Well never say never.
This morning I made some scales as a replacement, still needs final pinning as you can see

I will ad some more posts later on the pinning

 

[Tony]

There are different ways to skin a cat, the saying said, this is my way
I hope the pictures will explain the process

 

[Kitchen]

Nice color. Reminds me of a Filarmonica. Or a Daphne Blue stratocaster....

 

[Tony]

When rescaling a straight razor there are some situations you should look out for.
Like this one, usually this can only be resolved at the hinge pin by adding a inner-ring.

Photo borrowed from a post by gssixgun on Facebook.

 

[Tony]

Another problem when rescalling is seen on the next photo, the razor is twisted a little and the toe will definitely hit the scales if you don’t provide a wide enough spacer or wedge.

 

[Tony]

If you are looking for material to make your own scales, this is what I have used in the past from eBay

 

[Tony]

This situation needs to be addressed or the blade will have an ugly chip at the toe if you don’t watch out.
Plastic Scales could be heated to get them aligned again with the blade but if that doesn’t work you will need to find out if it’s a problem of the blade or the scales. Unpin and check if the current scales can still be used. You might be able to slightly widen the holes of the pivot pin and add a washer to be able to center the blade. You could even sand the scales on the inside near the pivot hole to alleviate the problem.

Photo borrowed from Facebook

 

[Tony]

I buy my pinning material at maggards, these nickel silver pin and outer rings a great to work with.
You will also need some tools and a 1,75 mm drill bit, the rod is 1/16” = 1,62 mm in diameter.

 

[mhharsta]

Thanks for the helpful tips in this topic @Tony

 

[SammieM]

Excellent job! Thank you for the informative posts!

 

[stanko]

Thanks very helpful

 

[Rudolf1]

Another problem when rescalling is seen on the next photo, the razor is twisted a little and the toe will definitely hit the scales if you don’t provide a wide enough spacer or wedge.

View attachment 9421

This often has to do with the holes not being drilled directly opposite each other. I am in favor of drilling them together with double-sided tape before sanding them to the desired shape. You can also try to hit the pin with a hammer in the opposite direction of the deviation. So if it deviates to the right, tap the pin on the left at the back

 

[efsk]

This often has to do with the holes not being drilled directly opposite each other. I am in favor of drilling them together with double-sided tape before sanding them to the desired shape. You can also try to hit the pin with a hammer in the opposite direction of the deviation. So if it deviates to the right, tap the pin on the left at the back

On the rare occasion I make my own scales, I do exactly that for exactly that reason. I also sand the scales together: I draw the rough shape of the scales on the wood, including the location the pins should go, then tape the two pieces together, drill the holes, saw them in the rough shape and then start sanding. This way, they take on shape together, and the pinholes will stay in the same position to each other.
This does require a type of drill press, to make sure you're not drilling the holes at an angle other than 90°.

 

[MelC]

Excellent article. I live near enough to Maggards to visit the shop (pre-pandemic) and have been impressed with their stock and service. Have also ordered online and been happy also.