[Crex]

Well it sounds like you're having fun and at least learning from the experience. I hole heartedly agree with Ray on this. You are going in the right direction so keep at it.
Lots of little tricks to make things easier are found in these forum threads so use the "search" liberally, just use good sense and discernment in what you "take home" with you.
On the scales and the epoxy issue: plug your tubes with some paper towel scraps and you will only have a thin scab to remove later. If you have finished the leading edge of your scales before attaching (which is good practice) do a complete "dry-fit", while scales are in place use a small stiff art brush to apply paste wax to thefront face of the scales and the blade where they butt together. Allow to dry then remove pins/scales and complete your glue up. Check glue as it sets and once it reaches rubbery to almost completely hard flake away the residual epoxy with a sharpened piece of wood. This will give you a very clean and precise joint without any scratches on the blade. Simple to do with just a little practice.