primal scaling

Use a straight. You know it makes sense.
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Henry_L
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primal scaling

Post by Henry_L »

Will be starting my first scaling project soon. I'll be working with precut scales as I don't have the tools/experience to fashion my own. I've reviewed Youtube instructions (pretty good) but have some questions. I'd like to mine forum wisdom.

-- some pinning kits include rosettes, some don't. I'm not clear on pinning with and without rosettes.

-- what is the practical distinction between celluloid and micarta scales; both appear to be plastic.

-- pinning kits are offered in both nickel and brass, reputed that brass is easier to pin. Correct?

-- I've found two ways of removing scales on Youtube. One simply involves using cutters (scales usually destroyed) and the other is drilling into a pin with a dremel (scales preserved). Anyone conversant with these methods?

-- 1/16 is the constant for pins and drilling irrespective of razor size?

-- any thoughts on recycling scales if there is a size match? I've noticed some cheap razors have respectable looking scales.

Thanks all.
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drmoss_ca
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Re: primal scaling

Post by drmoss_ca »

Henry_L wrote: Wed Jun 03, 2020 1:41 pm
-- some pinning kits include rosettes, some don't. I'm not clear on pinning with and without rosettes.
A matter of preference and or historical accuracy.
-- what is the practical distinction between celluloid and micarta scales; both appear to be plastic.
Micarta is extremely hard - a substrate infused with epoxy or resin.
-- pinning kits are offered in both nickel and brass, reputed that brass is easier to pin. Correct?
Correct.
-- I've found two ways of removing scales on Youtube. One simply involves using cutters (scales usually destroyed) and the other is drilling into a pin with a dremel (scales preserved). Anyone conversant with these methods?
Or you can take a little rat tail file and file off the top of the rivet. Protect scales with tape around the rivet if you want to keep them.
-- 1/16 is the constant for pins and drilling irrespective of razor size?
There are some with 3/32 brass wire rivets.
-- any thoughts on recycling scales if there is a size match? I've noticed some cheap razors have respectable looking scales.
Sure. Done that lots of times.
"Je n'ai pas besoin de cette hypothèse."
Pierre-Simon de Laplace
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Henry_L
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Re: primal scaling

Post by Henry_L »

Drmoss -- thanks much for the speedy info. I was thinking about ordering a cheap Chinese razor & just using the scales if I get a match. Been there?

BTW the Oxford is in the drawer for now. I was able to get it almost flush but when I tried honing results were disappointing. Diminishing returns. :cry:
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drmoss_ca
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Re: primal scaling

Post by drmoss_ca »

I've never been tempted by a cheap Chinese razor, even just for the scales! But given they are the only part of the razor fit for purpose, why not?
"Je n'ai pas besoin de cette hypothèse."
Pierre-Simon de Laplace
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Henry_L
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Re: primal scaling

Post by Henry_L »

A few months ago I purchased from Aliexpress, based on reviews, around $28:
1.jpg
1.jpg (40.25 KiB) Viewed 7349 times
It is carbon steel but required some light honing. Now it shaves superbly. Would that the Oxford achieved 70% of this performance!

Go figure.
Last edited by Henry_L on Fri Jun 05, 2020 12:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Henry_L
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Re: primal scaling

Post by Henry_L »

For their celluloid scales Dovo advises no washers. Should I take that as a rule for all plastic scales and micarta?

Also I was admiring some camel bone scales listed, but would require drilling. Is bone a material the novice should avoid?

Thanks Drmoss.
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drmoss_ca
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Re: primal scaling

Post by drmoss_ca »

No, you can use washers whenever you want. And drilling bone is easy, but smells like having a filling at the dentist's.
"Je n'ai pas besoin de cette hypothèse."
Pierre-Simon de Laplace
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Henry_L
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Re: primal scaling

Post by Henry_L »

If I'm using a 1/16 rod it appears I can peen an outside washer instead of a rosette. What's the washer size?
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drmoss_ca
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Re: primal scaling

Post by drmoss_ca »

Evidently it needs a 1/16 hole in the middle, and after that it's a matter of taste. Are you going to punch out your own from thin brass sheet or buy them? If you buy them, I believe the standard size is a #80.
"Je n'ai pas besoin de cette hypothèse."
Pierre-Simon de Laplace
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