scales

[tommy the cat]

Having difficulty deciding where to cut my wood,cleaned up the wood from Mike(cheers)
A,

B,

Just wondering if there is a right and wrong way with grain ...would like the scales to be a I think but not very good at visualising things.
Sorry to be thick, Dave

 

[shep]

Are your scales 'bookmatched' (ie. have corresponding grain patterns). If so, aim for them to match up. Also bear in mind how the grain will look as you look down on the knife - a nice V is very pleasing to the eye. Otherwise, I'd aim to include the bits with the most character.
The grain should run along the length as this is strongest. 'Short-grain' is harder to finish and can be weak, that would only be a concern if you made your scales across the piece in picture B. I'd go for A too as it looks more interesting and should be plenty strong enough!

 

[Dougster]

Effectively, make the blade go down the cut line - just pull them apart and glue them on either side of the blade (and spacers).

Two points to consider - if you aren't using bolsters, cover those two holes and make sure the front of the scales are finished BEFORE you glue them on as they are nigh on impossible once they are on.

Every time I think scales are going to be dull, when I start shaping it, I get a surpise. Get filing.

 

[tommy the cat]

Thanks just didnt want to cock them up before I start! I guess sometimes the first steps are the most difficult..D

 

[Stew]

If you want to see which bit of the grain you will be left with, draw round the tang on a piece of paper then cut out the profile but throw away the tang piece of paper and put the 'window' over the wood.

 

[tommy the cat]

Stew that is a good idea I was gonna try to do something on tracing paper but thats even better. d

 

[tommy the cat]

OK whats a good thickness to start with scales?
Was looking at 25mm? Not got very big hands!!!!

Promise I wont ask any more questions for a bit......

Dave