SI

Smaug Ichorfang

10/08/2006 12:54 AM

Fitting curved pieces

I'm making the scales (sides) for a nice damascus-steel knife. The main
body of the scales are an orange-with-swirly-black burl (don't remember
name). The "guards" will be made from ebony. My problem is that the
scales and guard don't meet up along a straight line, rather a sweeping
curve. How does one cut the pieces so that they fir together *exactly*?
Because of the size/shape, I can't stack them and cut them simultaniously
on a bandsaw. It's a big pita to make a router jig just for this one small
project. Ideas?


This topic has 5 replies

Td

"Teamcasa"

in reply to Smaug Ichorfang on 10/08/2006 12:54 AM

10/08/2006 8:57 AM


"Smaug Ichorfang" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm making the scales (sides) for a nice damascus-steel knife. The main
> body of the scales are an orange-with-swirly-black burl (don't remember
> name). The "guards" will be made from ebony. My problem is that the
> scales and guard don't meet up along a straight line, rather a sweeping
> curve. How does one cut the pieces so that they fir together *exactly*?
> Because of the size/shape, I can't stack them and cut them simultaniously
> on a bandsaw. It's a big pita to make a router jig just for this one
> small
> project. Ideas?

Cut close with a coping saw, hand fit with files, chisels or small carving
planes (luthier planes).
Woodworkers love a challenge!

Dave



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"no(SPAM)vasys" <"no(SPAM)vasys"@adelphia.net>

in reply to Smaug Ichorfang on 10/08/2006 12:54 AM

09/08/2006 9:07 PM

Smaug Ichorfang wrote:

> I'm making the scales (sides) for a nice damascus-steel knife. The main
> body of the scales are an orange-with-swirly-black burl (don't remember
> name). The "guards" will be made from ebony. My problem is that the
> scales and guard don't meet up along a straight line, rather a sweeping
> curve. How does one cut the pieces so that they fir together *exactly*?
> Because of the size/shape, I can't stack them and cut them simultaniously
> on a bandsaw. It's a big pita to make a router jig just for this one small
> project. Ideas?

Can you use a pattern?

--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA
[email protected]
(Remove -SPAM- to send email)

LH

Lew Hodgett

in reply to Smaug Ichorfang on 10/08/2006 12:54 AM

10/08/2006 1:20 AM

Smaug Ichorfang wrote:

> It's a big pita to make a router jig just for this one small
> project.

Welcome to the world of PITA.

Can you make a pattern from 1/4" hardboard using a scroll saw?

Lew

SI

Smaug Ichorfang

in reply to Smaug Ichorfang on 10/08/2006 12:54 AM

10/08/2006 7:45 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions! I guess there's no easy way. I think I'll
cut the ebony guards to shape, scribe the scales, cut shy of the line, and
file/sand to fit, just like it's been done for centuries. If I were making
more than one, I definitly would mae a jig. I have a set of jigs for
making 1911 Colt auto pistol grips. Even a blind monkey could make a set
in under ten minutes.

Wj

"Woodhead"

in reply to Smaug Ichorfang on 10/08/2006 12:54 AM

09/08/2006 9:08 PM

Maybe glue the imperfect fit pieces together, then saw through the glue
joint with a thin hand saw and reglue the joints. I think they might fit
nicely.

Jim
"Smaug Ichorfang" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm making the scales (sides) for a nice damascus-steel knife. The main
> body of the scales are an orange-with-swirly-black burl (don't remember
> name). The "guards" will be made from ebony. My problem is that the
> scales and guard don't meet up along a straight line, rather a sweeping
> curve. How does one cut the pieces so that they fir together *exactly*?
> Because of the size/shape, I can't stack them and cut them simultaniously
> on a bandsaw. It's a big pita to make a router jig just for this one
> small
> project. Ideas?


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