M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales

[Pale Highlight]

I recently acquired an M398 Mule. With the intention of making two different sets of scales for it. First blank that arrived was the Amboyna Burl. So that's where I started. I cut the blanks from the block of Burl. I don't really have the proper tools for knife making. I did all this with a miter saw, an orbital sander, a regular drill, and a Dremel tool.

Initially I was set out to profile this like a Shaman. However, in doing research I came across this reptilian patten. A challenge, but something I just had to try. I really liked the way they came out.

They are NOT perfect! I messed up several times. I had to redo 3 of the 4 holes. The first edge I cut in with the Dremel I took too far in. The arcs are not near as crisp and sharp. But I adjusted and am pleased with the other 3 edges. I hand sanded TOO much. I wanted this this smooth, but I'll admit I went too far with the hand sanding. I learned a lot from making these. I feel my next set will be much better. Crisper and cleaner.

[sal]

Hi Pale Highlight,

Welcome to our forum.

nice work.

sal

[TomAiello]

Those are awesome! Fantastic work!

[RustyIron]

First blank that arrived was the Amboyna Burl. So that's where I started.

That's really pretty, PH. Nice work.

You talked about a couple things that made me think. One was available tools. When I was a little kid, I liked playing with my grandfather's machine tools. I didn't really want to work with hand tools. I remember my grandfather telling me that his first project in school was to make a 1" steel cube, using a file, maintaining 0.001" precision. He was old school and not inclined to hyperbole, so I think the story is accurate. It took a long time to learn the importance of having the skill to build anything with nothing.

The other thought is how cool that wood looks. I can see the appeal of making Mules just to have the opportunity to use different woods. 25+ years ago there was an old guy near here. He was an antique hammer collector. Sort of. He had a LOT of antique hammers, but each one had a handle made of different exotic woods. Fun stuff to look at, that's for sure.

What flavor of wood will be on your next Mule?

[Bolster]

Love the grip pattern...most excellent! And welcome!!

Did you use a particular method to get that pattern?

[Manixguy@1994]

Pattern looks awesome look forward to see your next project . MG2

[JRinFL]

Welcome aboard! Really nice looking grips.

[tcarltonw]

That's pretty dang sweet, I'm digging the texturing you did. What size attachment(s) did you use?

[legOFwhat?]

Great 1st post and fantastic work! Welcome to the forum!

[Brant]

Those look good! Nice work, they turned out nice.

[Pale Highlight]

Hi Pale Highlight,

Welcome to our forum.

nice work.

sal

Thank you sir!

[Pale Highlight]

First blank that arrived was the Amboyna Burl. So that's where I started.

That's really pretty, PH. Nice work.

You talked about a couple things that made me think. One was available tools. When I was a little kid, I liked playing with my grandfather's machine tools. I didn't really want to work with hand tools. I remember my grandfather telling me that his first project in school was to make a 1" steel cube, using a file, maintaining 0.001" precision. He was old school and not inclined to hyperbole, so I think the story is accurate. It took a long time to learn the importance of having the skill to build anything with nothing.

The other thought is how cool that wood looks. I can see the appeal of making Mules just to have the opportunity to use different woods. 25+ years ago there was an old guy near here. He was an antique hammer collector. Sort of. He had a LOT of antique hammers, but each one had a handle made of different exotic woods. Fun stuff to look at, that's for sure.

What flavor of wood will be on your next Mule?

Next up was the Bog Oak

[Pale Highlight]

Love the grip pattern...most excellent! And welcome!!

Did you use a particular method to get that pattern?

This was a reptilian pattern. Created with a Dremel Sanding drum. First make horizontal lines going across. Then come back in at an angle and carve in the sides.

[bob-atlatl]

Sweet, well done.