New Guy, new utensil

[Fun King]

I decided to try to make something truly useful:
ten.2.jpg
I think it's a good start. I still need help with finishes, these are just tung oil and paste wax, and working with my metal. I had the blanks manufactured to my design. They are 0.1" thick full tang stainless, unfinished and they were stamped so the back isn't as smooth as the front. I have been trying to smooth them out with a wire wheel. The scales are only 3/4" x 3 1/4" so scraps work fine. Several of these are from free flooring samples from Mr. Home Depot.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks. John

[Ray Rogers]

Well, they look good but extensive testing is required so I volunteer my services if you're buying.

As for smoothing the metal, forget the wire wheel, you need files and sandpaper...

[Kostoglotov]

Very cool - You have prices

I'm a big fan of beer

[Fun King]

A couple of new ones. I know you guys preach patience and safety, and I've been trying to slow down and do a better job. I spent most of yesterday with files and sandpaper getting ready for another batch.
end grain maple.1.jpg
this is just end grain maple. I was afraid to try to put pins in, so I didn't
fretted.1.jpg
these have rosewood finger boards, mahogany necks and mandolin frets

[Ray Rogers]

The mandolin frets are a cool idea. Pins are easy, just drill a hole that's big enough for the pin material to slip through easily and glue it. Even that's quite a bit better than no pin ....

[NJStricker]

Those are awesome! And you gave me a cool idea for a kiridashi. . .

[Fun King]

A scale on my end grain maple unit just popped off, so I guess I'll try to pin it. I've been using West Systems 5 minute epoxy with pretty good results so far.

[Ray Rogers]

Testing by our forum members has shown that how the materials are prepped is extremely important, just as much as the epoxy you use. That aside, it's still just glue and that is never sufficient by itself as far as I'm concerned (another of my opinions). Your materials are thin enough to flex, even a little bit, and it won't take long before something pops loose. Even with pins, if the handle can flex the scale might still pop loose but it won't be able to fall off. I doubt you'll want to carry it this far but Loveless bolts are available in 3/16" size which can be used on scales as thin as 1/8"...