How to make a set of horn scales.

[pugh-the-special-one]

This is a little tutorial on how to make a set of horn scales for those of you who don't have a workshop or power tools, this is a easy step by step guide for you.

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And this is what you can achieve, this set I made only in blond horn using exactly the same method.

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I also forgot to add, do not part the scales until you are fully satisfied with the shape sanding and finish of the scales, then what I do is drop them into a plastic kitchen bowl full of warm water and using lets say 6K wet & dry as my final finish you will then get some of the water going in between the masking tape and double sided tape making it much easier for the scales part company.

 

[UKRob]

That's a good tip about using masking tape Jamie - I've been sticking a cut-out template directly on to the horn and then cutting around that (because you can't see marker pen very easily on dark horn). However, drawing the template is much simpler. Thanks.

 

[pugh-the-special-one]

It's a pretty good method Rob, and once you have the shape and finish you are happy with, then it's just a case of parting the scales marking out the wedge and putting it all together.

 

[PhilD]

Great instructional, pugh, interesting to see how you've done that.

 

[angelix]

When I did mine instead of using "double side sticky tape" i used a simple piece of lasercopy paper with 3 dots on each side of normal "vinavyl" Glue

when the scales were finished I just washed them under luke warm water and separated the two halves.

I suppose the sticky paper system is faster... BUT if you forget them in a drawer for some time it might happen that the glue dries out and the two halves are then difficult to separate, even if you use masking tape (that is a bugger to remove sometimes!)

Great tutorial anyways... I learned something new

 

[emmijack]

beautiful razor and workmanship, could I ask where you get your horn blanks from???.
I have never made a set of scales, but I did get a replacement plastic set a while ago to replace a cracked pair and managed to re-pin them!!!

 

[NOTSHARP]

beautiful razor and workmanship, could I ask where you get your horn blanks from???.
I have never made a set of scales, but I did get a replacement plastic set a while ago to replace a cracked pair and managed to re-pin them!!!

http://www.highlandhorn.com/


Steve.

 

[pjgh]

Phenomenal! Well documented, pal.

I got stuck at the "use your existing scales as a template" bit ... but I get the idea. Some imagination in there might actually glean some curious results.

 

[GDCarrington]

Excellent tutorial Jamie! Well done!

 

[pugh-the-special-one]

Thank you Gary.

 

[whodicapfit]

Thank you mate for this tutorial wish I had used the masking and sticky tape when I tried my hand at Sgian Dubhs