Show your Mule
Re: Show your Mule
I just went to a Christmas market last weekend that had a booth selling art and jewelry made from old circuit boards- some of the art pieces were very intricately cut and the jewelry was set with clear resin, so knife handles definitely seem like they should be possible.
https://becausesciencedc.com/collections
https://becausesciencedc.com/collections
- DansGearAddiction
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- Location: Connecticut, USA
Re: Show your Mule
I have a set of PCB scales that were made for my CRKT Pilar Large (https://www.instagram.com/p/B7y5GCfntYf/) are just coated in resin (I wouldn't do it without the resin) -- all the other ones I've seen also have a layer of resin on top, but the G10 liner also sounds like a neat idea to add some durability. The scales were made for me, but I haven't seen any yellowing in the 2 years that I've had them.Liquidretro wrote: ↑Wed Dec 08, 2021 11:06 amI am excited to be a part of the Mule team with the latest release, so that's had me thinking about scales. While I might end up 3D printing some to get me started, what I think I really want to do is attempt to make my own scales for the first time.
What I think would be cool is to use a circuit board for an exterior material. I have an old G5 Mac Pro that I picked up on the curb for the cool case design thinking I might use it for a project some day, and it's got a dead motherboard inside. My thought was to disassemble, cut the PCB with a scroll saw or hax saw into rough pieces, then remove any of the taller connectors or components, and make sure to flatten (wood belt sander) the backside.
My concerns are that just one layer of PCB on each side will be kind of thin, so do I use some G10 liners to add thickness so I can contour some? Is this too hard for a beginner? Or do I try some resin? Would I be happier with a thin layer of resin anyway to make it all smooth? My concern with resin over time is the yellowing.
My backup plan is to use some purple heart wood I saved back from my grandfathers estate too, this would be easier and great
memories too, since I would be using a lot of his tools to finish the project.
Happy to take any suggestions from any of your experienced scale makers, this thread is filled with lots of beautiful work.
If you decide to go down this road, I look forward to seeing them!
Also: just be sure to wear a respirator and eye protection when sanding/cutting the PCB and G10 -- both are nasty materials.
Current Collection
Chaparral (LW, Stepped, Stealth, Sun & Moon), Dragonfly 2 (VG-10), McBee, Stretch 2 (K390), UKPK Salt (LC200N)
Chaparral (LW, Stepped, Stealth, Sun & Moon), Dragonfly 2 (VG-10), McBee, Stretch 2 (K390), UKPK Salt (LC200N)
Re: Show your Mule
MagnaCut arrived today :D
You should never have to ask yourself "do i really need another knife?" The answer is obvious...
Re: Show your Mule
I've seen a lot of PCB scales for SAKs, usually they have a layer of clear resin to stabilize things,
8Cr13MoV:N690Co:VG10:S30V:S35VN:S45VN:Elmax:SPY27:H1:LC200N:4V:MagnaCut:CTS-XHP:204P:M390:20CV:Cru-Wear:Z-Wear:M4:Rex-45:10V:K390:15V:S90V:Z-Max:Maxamet
- standy99
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- Location: Between Broome and Cairns somewhere
Re: Show your Mule
Fab Four
They fight for use most days.
(Middle two need a final sand I like to do after a bit of use )
Have two more (Z-Wear and Z-Max) to knock up before I get to Magnacut
They fight for use most days.
(Middle two need a final sand I like to do after a bit of use )
Have two more (Z-Wear and Z-Max) to knock up before I get to Magnacut
Im a vegetarian as technically cows are made of grass and water.
- legOFwhat?
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- Location: Kentucky; Earth
Re: Show your Mule
Your Mules are looking great Andy! I'm in the same boat as you with finishing existing projects before I start the next.
-Larry
Hebrews 13:6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
MNOSD #0049
Hebrews 13:6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
MNOSD #0049
Re: Show your Mule
Man, I'm a sucker for mosaic pins
You should never have to ask yourself "do i really need another knife?" The answer is obvious...
Re: Show your Mule
How do you decide which pin holes to use? Love that you mix it up, but wondering what drives the decision.
- standy99
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Re: Show your Mule
Just really look to see what fits with what I use. Beauty of having so much choice really.
I am enjoying using different materials and different pins on each one I do. More for my learning curve.
First one (on left) two large pins so even spacing. Just works I think.
Second one 3 small pins so same even spacing along the middle, more of a flat profile so thought break it up with 3 pins. These also had to be pinned at the same orientation which took some issues when gluing which was solved by leaving longer pins so they could be turned during gluing
3rd lanyard use so back hole is at the lanyard point. So one at back and one at front. Larger gap in between, so could get away with some contouring on the Micarta. Lanyard hole can be used and front hole and back can be used to tie to a stick for spear.
4th which was the first one done so it got a mix and one prominent pin in the front. This one has a sheath that actually covers the mosaic pin.
Im a vegetarian as technically cows are made of grass and water.
Re: Show your Mule
I didn't even put that together... makes sense. Thanks for the detail.
Re: Show your Mule
Re: Show your Mule
That sheath looks well executed. I assume there is a dangler in the back or is that a belt loop? If it had a dangler, being my preference, it would ride lower and not dig your side. I assume you made it? well done.
Mule Team Army 001
MNOSD 008
Stable Mules; Z-Max, Z-Wear, Magna Cut, SRS13, Rex 76, Rex T15.
MNOSD 008
Stable Mules; Z-Max, Z-Wear, Magna Cut, SRS13, Rex 76, Rex T15.
- FullScaler
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Re: Show your Mule
Lime green scales fresh off the printer. On the MT 30 Z-Wear PM Mule.
Just noticed the colors look quite different on the black or wood background. Actual color matches the black background pics.
Just noticed the colors look quite different on the black or wood background. Actual color matches the black background pics.
Re: Show your Mule
Riding my PMA11 Mule to welcome my Magnacut at the post office today
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Re: Show your Mule
Mail call!
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