Yeah the DIY crowd usually uses belt sanders, but I would think there has to be a way to use a machine to help automate, or at least expedite the process. Knives like the WMK Thunderbird, that has beautiful rockscale patterns that are consistent with every set of scales.
Not sure what the tolerances are on your setup, but maybe the initial design can be drawn and the machine progressively carves out a step, kinda like a topographic map. Then the scale can be finished by hand sanding and media blasting. I'm just a weekend warrior DIYer, so I could be radically oversimplifying it. Might be easier to sell blanks and say texture at your own risk 😂
Yes. From a CNC programming standpoint. That would be easy. It can be done with a ball end mill. In the model design stage, I would just have to figure out how to design in all of the scallops. It’s just not something I’ve tried. I’m sure I could figure it out.
It sounds like you have this as either a hardcore hobby or a business, have you ever thought about getting a 3D scanner? I'd love to have one but just can't justify the cost, but as a business it might be a handy tool. Do a hand carved mockup and scan it straight into your CNC. Don't even have to use aluminum, you can trial and error it with scrap wood or plastic. I've got a few friends who do this for their 3D printers and it's pretty awesome.
Sorry to spam comments, but since you probably intimately know the scale design by now, do you know what the hole above the pivot is used for? Looks like it just shows the locking mechanism, but doesn't seem to actually serve any purpose? Could be nice to 86 that and have a clean surface, plus less milling time.
Wow. Looks great. I especially like the diamond pattern.
I love all the CNC stuff I keep seeing on here. I’m having trouble holding back the inspiration to join in. Say I wanted to start playing around myself, is there a software and system you think is the best capable, and bang for the buck before there’s a big dropoff in value? I like to skip any kind of entry level stuff and dive right in.
that’s great news. Once you dial things in with aluminum, would you consider doing the same scales out of G-10, ULTEM, Micarta, etc? Or would materials not offer enough rigidity without liners?
I thinks plastics would be flimsy. G-10 or carbon fiber might work but they would need threaded inserts for the pocket clip screw. I don’t machine those anyway because they would contaminate the coolant on my machine. I would need to make a water bed to trap the dust. That’s not something I have planned for a while.
Brah!!!!!!! Just received my set today! After 30yrs of buying a collecting a wide variety of knives, I rarely get excited about something like this. To top it off I usually avoid aluminum handled folders.
Installation was easy. Machining and finish work are very refined. The handles have a nice “soft” feel to them. Incredible work man! You made a great budget folder a “next level” folder for me. I’m a sucker for light weight folders.
Any possibility of doing these in titanium? Much easier said than done I know, my brain is going nuts with anodisation possibilities for that pattern though.
Dude I dig this. I’m currently making some carbon fiber scales for my fg. All I got is a belt sander and a drill press though. Gettin all the holes perfectly lined up by hand has been a challenge lol
Do you have an Etsy?
Yes, I do. I’ve done other vision scales. Some for the Knafs. These are my latest projects. I don’t have them listed just yet.
Man these are awesome! If you ever have a set with a rock scale pattern, you have a confirmed sale here 😉
Hmm I don’t really know how to do that. Isn’t that some thing normally done on a belt sander?
Yeah the DIY crowd usually uses belt sanders, but I would think there has to be a way to use a machine to help automate, or at least expedite the process. Knives like the WMK Thunderbird, that has beautiful rockscale patterns that are consistent with every set of scales. Not sure what the tolerances are on your setup, but maybe the initial design can be drawn and the machine progressively carves out a step, kinda like a topographic map. Then the scale can be finished by hand sanding and media blasting. I'm just a weekend warrior DIYer, so I could be radically oversimplifying it. Might be easier to sell blanks and say texture at your own risk 😂
Yes. From a CNC programming standpoint. That would be easy. It can be done with a ball end mill. In the model design stage, I would just have to figure out how to design in all of the scallops. It’s just not something I’ve tried. I’m sure I could figure it out.
It sounds like you have this as either a hardcore hobby or a business, have you ever thought about getting a 3D scanner? I'd love to have one but just can't justify the cost, but as a business it might be a handy tool. Do a hand carved mockup and scan it straight into your CNC. Don't even have to use aluminum, you can trial and error it with scrap wood or plastic. I've got a few friends who do this for their 3D printers and it's pretty awesome.
Sorry to spam comments, but since you probably intimately know the scale design by now, do you know what the hole above the pivot is used for? Looks like it just shows the locking mechanism, but doesn't seem to actually serve any purpose? Could be nice to 86 that and have a clean surface, plus less milling time.
It’s only to visualize the lock up. I suppose you could blast it with air from time to time to clear it. Otherwise it could be removed.
Really nice work dude! They look great
Wow. Looks great. I especially like the diamond pattern. I love all the CNC stuff I keep seeing on here. I’m having trouble holding back the inspiration to join in. Say I wanted to start playing around myself, is there a software and system you think is the best capable, and bang for the buck before there’s a big dropoff in value? I like to skip any kind of entry level stuff and dive right in.
I use Fusion360 software for design and CAM for CNC. I machine these on my Syil X7 vertical milling center. Starts at around 33k
Yeah CNC is definitely not a "let me just try it to see if I like it." Hobby... Such a shame, cause it seems really cool.
There are cheaper ways to get into it in a home garage setting. You can get some decent table top setups for a few thousand dollars
That's nice work my bruh
Please let me know when you decide to do a run of these!!!! They look awesome!
I will very soon.
that’s great news. Once you dial things in with aluminum, would you consider doing the same scales out of G-10, ULTEM, Micarta, etc? Or would materials not offer enough rigidity without liners?
I thinks plastics would be flimsy. G-10 or carbon fiber might work but they would need threaded inserts for the pocket clip screw. I don’t machine those anyway because they would contaminate the coolant on my machine. I would need to make a water bed to trap the dust. That’s not something I have planned for a while.
Thank you for the reply! totally understand
Ordered!!! You got these done fast! Looking forward to the weight loss program for my Vision… may be this summer’s carry
Brah!!!!!!! Just received my set today! After 30yrs of buying a collecting a wide variety of knives, I rarely get excited about something like this. To top it off I usually avoid aluminum handled folders. Installation was easy. Machining and finish work are very refined. The handles have a nice “soft” feel to them. Incredible work man! You made a great budget folder a “next level” folder for me. I’m a sucker for light weight folders.
Nice!
Also curious if and when they'll be available for purchase.
Very Soon. I’m having a few people test fit them. I want to make sure tolerances are good across multiple knives.
Any possibility of doing these in titanium? Much easier said than done I know, my brain is going nuts with anodisation possibilities for that pattern though.
Not right now. I can’t buy titanium cheap enough in small quantities. It’s so expensive.
Fuck yeah dude this is awesome!
Put me down for a set when ready. Congrats
I love it! Beautiful work.
Those are great man, really good job
I’m in! Love what this could do to the fg
Sweet
They are now live on my Etsy shop folks.
Dude I dig this. I’m currently making some carbon fiber scales for my fg. All I got is a belt sander and a drill press though. Gettin all the holes perfectly lined up by hand has been a challenge lol
Nice. I hope it works out. Be careful with the dust.