![Image](https://imgur.com/1q6pHNd.jpg)
First attempt at Mule handles. First, I traced out the Halpern contoured scale, and cross-ripped the board by hand. I don't have a real saw that will do this.
![Image](https://imgur.com/7qeHSjP.jpg)
I traced the handles again onto the blanks, then tried about a dozen things to figure out how to get them down to the right size. I used the trim saw, a japanese hobby saw, and eventually a coping saw. Again, I don't have the right tools at all. Along the way, I used a rotary tool to sand off the edges.
![Image](https://imgur.com/mPPpiOD.jpg)
Don't have a planer or router, so I did a lot of the shaping and contouring by hand using the M398 Mule. Appropriately enough, this Mule needs handles! Also, my hands are *SORE* and also, I cut my thumb once. Need to stop bleeding all over the handles.
![Image](https://imgur.com/Khm3pZ1.jpg)
First dry fit. It is very, very tight, but I can address that by slightly modifying one of the holes. Need to add some countersinking for the screw heads, also figure out how to seal them.
![Image](https://imgur.com/N4lY3ib.jpg)
Compared to the handle. I did something weird overall. I started by tracing the handle, but then I traced over that with the actual Mule because I was actually going for a handle that matches the Mule profile, whereas the Halpern scales leave about a 1mm of the Mule exposed all around. Don't really know why. Doesn't affect the functionality, but I was going for full coverage.
![Image](https://imgur.com/ArTuSqG.jpg)
Mule handle doesn't quite cover the heel.
![Image](https://imgur.com/fF6T0BU.jpg)
Also, slightly exceeds the spine.
![Image](https://imgur.com/vv2MmvF.jpg)
Here it is next to the original. Pretty good as a first try! I left out hours of experimentation and wasted attempts at things that didn't work out. I expect the next pair to go a lot smoother. Learning as I go!