M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
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M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
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.
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.
Re: M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
Hi Pale Highlight,
Welcome to our forum.
nice work.
sal
Welcome to our forum.
nice work.
sal
Re: M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
Those are awesome! Fantastic work!
Re: M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
That's really pretty, PH. Nice work.Pale Highlight wrote: ↑Wed Jan 04, 2023 10:31 amFirst blank that arrived was the Amboyna Burl. So that's where I started.
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?
Re: M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
Love the grip pattern...most excellent! And welcome!!
Did you use a particular method to get that pattern?
Did you use a particular method to get that pattern?
Steel novice who self-identifies as a steel expert. Proud M.N.O.S.D. member 0003. Spydie Steels: 4V, 15V, 20CV, AEB-L, AUS6, Cru-Wear, HAP40, K294, K390, M4, Magnacut, S110V, S30V, S35VN, S45VN, SPY27, SRS13, T15, VG10, XHP, ZWear, ZDP189
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Re: M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
Pattern looks awesome look forward to see your next project . MG2
MNOSD 0002 / Do more than is required of you . Patton
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Re: M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
Welcome aboard! Really nice looking grips.
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Re: M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
That's pretty dang sweet, I'm digging the texturing you did. What size attachment(s) did you use?
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Re: M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
Great 1st post and fantastic work! Welcome to the forum!
-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: M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
Those look good! Nice work, they turned out nice.
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Re: M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
Next up was the Bog OakRustyIron wrote: ↑Wed Jan 04, 2023 3:52 pmThat's really pretty, PH. Nice work.Pale Highlight wrote: ↑Wed Jan 04, 2023 10:31 amFirst blank that arrived was the Amboyna Burl. So that's where I started.
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?
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Re: M398 Mule Amboyna Burl Scales
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.
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