How do you do that: toothpick/tweezer/pen slot

[porteiro]

First, I'll borrow the same image:



Can anybody give me any pointers for how to make the slots in the scale for the scale accessories?  I'm reasonably handy in the shop, but haven't yet been able to figure out a good way to do this.

[nuphoria]

I would probably use needle files... I don't know how he did that one though 

[yud]

Give me a few mins, I've got to find it

[porteiro]

*gives*

[yud]

I use X-acto blades and the Vic metal saw





Try to find X-acto blades (or similar) to these they are about the same size as the T&T and pen, also get a fine toothed saw (the Vic metal saw works great) they will help you make groove

Also I cut a little bit of the groove then cut out the notch in the scale, with the metal saw. The metal saw is a great tool for this it is about the same width as the pen and T&T also it is slow enough that you don’t get in to trouble.

Lastly check the fit every so often and make the pen & toothpick hole a little small to keep them in but make the tweezers’s hole a little big (they stay in by the use of their spring so small opening big inside should keep them by your side)

If you would like a more detailed account of how just ask

[porteiro]

Thank you.  That's very helpful!

[gunga]

Have you ever done a pen slot (plus scales)?

[yud]

I have done about six IIRC five in vic scales and another in wood

[porteiro]

Is that what makes scales "plus" scales -- that they have a pen slot as well as T&T?

Also, is it possible to buy the pens by themselves without having to buy an entire replacement parts kit?

[gunga]

Is the procedure the same for making pen slots?


And yes, you can buy pens by themselves.

[yud]

it is the same procedure just I use the curved blades for pens and the flat one for T&T, also the metal saw is about 1 pen wide and about 2/3 the width of the T&T.  And basicly it is just makeing a groove and working to the right side.