What kind of milling bit should i use for wood that will leave the best finish?Thanks again .McAhron :)

McAhron,

It depends, what for machine do you plan to use? Woodworking Router, metal milling machine? Even with the best router/milling bits you'll need to sander your pieces of wood.
A woodworking router works fine if you want to bring your scales to parallel thickness.
A two flute Hard Metal tipped 3/4" or bigger will do the job. If you need details how to do it, let me know. On knives and metalworking I'm a newbie, but with 30 years of experience with cabinetmaking, I think I know a bit.

Bernez

Thank you Bernez, I will be using a mill.I can cut my scales down to around a quarter inch on my bandsaw but need 1/8th.I have been useing a hand planer then finishing with sand paper on a granite block.I thought using the mill would be fun and quicker.

You can use just about any cutter for wood on the mill, including router bits. I've used 2-flute and 4-flute end mills and fly cutters with great success. Recently, I picked up one of these (http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=1952) to make absolutely flat, parallel scales with identical thickness. Works like a charm.

Like you, I slice my scales to about 1/4" thick on the bandsaw, sand one side roughly smooth, then use double-sided tape to stick the smooth side to the mill table. I do both scales at the same time, side by side on the table. Machine one side, then turn them over, machine the 2nd side and fine-tune the thickness.

This works on a lot of other scale materials like bone, ivory, synthetics and even MOP.

-Frank

Just like Frank said. Use the highest speed on your mill and depending on how many HP's your mill has, take more or less each pass. A bit similar to this surfacing bit (http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?DeptID=1148&FamilyID=8142) would work even better if you can chuck it in your mill. They do exist with different shanks type.

Bernez

thanks guys,im ordering the indexible end mill.The other one is over 250.00 bucks and out of my price range but looks like one fine tool. :)

McAhron,

Your right, it's very pricy, but well worth the money. Sometimes you can get used ones at woodworking machinery wholesalers. Most have HM plates (indexing?) which can be replaced, and you'll pay about 1/4 from the new price.
Just my 2 cents!

Bernez