Fancy Wood - Making my own grips

[KingOfKindling]

Got the backstrap fitment a lot closer. Also took out all the scratches, stripped the old finish, and reblued. Fitment isn't perfect, but I may make unmentionable modifications to this revolver. If I do that, I'll need to refinish the frame anyway, and I'd really rather only do that once. Can blend the edges perfect then.

 

[Bad Karma]

How difficult would it be to model something like this trigger guard? I have files that were apparently used to 3d print this example but the company I spoke with couldn’t use those files…
I am an old timer and most of this is far beyond my reach…

 

[Goli0]

Great job !

 

[KingOfKindling]

How difficult would it be to model something like this trigger guard? I have files that were apparently used to 3d print this example but the company I spoke with couldn’t use those files…
I am an old timer and most of this is far beyond my reach…

That shape would be moderately complex to model. Could be done, but might be no reason to re-invent the wheel. Start another thread and post up the files. Might be able to make what you have work. Lots of places out there do casting or CNC metal work, or even metal 3D printing.

 

[SOLANCO]

Ever try your machine with bone? I have a collection of bone handled knives and would like bone grip panels on my 1911 unmentionable.

 

[KingOfKindling]

Ever try your machine with bone? I have a collection of bone handled knives and would like bone grip panels on my 1911 unmentionable.

I have not. Thought about doing antler or something, but haven't come across a source for big enough pieces yet. Would probably need to come up with a good air filtration solution before doing either. Actually, I really should do it anyway. Sawdust is bad enough.

 

[KingOfKindling]

The last coat of tung oil was finally dry enough to do a test fit. Wood swelled a bit, and there was a little excess oil in the grooves to remove, but was all pretty easy to clean up.

I'm quite happy with how it's turned out. Pretty good for a first try. The next sets will be easier.

These are much more comfortable for my big hands. When making the model I left a good bit more meat around the palm area than either Pietta or Uberti do. When you've got long fingers, the extra thickness really helps with smooth trigger manipulation.

Tempted to nickel plate the trigger guard as I've already got the stuff to do so. I believe they used silver for fancy civilian guns, not sure if there's a big difference in looks between the two.

 

[AwwNaww]

The finish is fabulous! I appreciate this post; it gives me lots of ideas.

 

[KingOfKindling]

The finish is fabulous! I appreciate this post; it gives me lots of ideas.

I haven't decided yet, but I think the next time I use the birch, I may try filling the cracks and inclusions with black CA glue. It'll have to be after heating the iron nitrate though. Will give a perfectly smooth finish if I do my job right. Not sure if that's any better than the "naturally checkered" condition the wood comes in.


Got some new wood to try. Spalted maple on the left and some maple burl on the right. The burl may require stabilizing, I'll have to play with it and see what happens. Still waiting on the walnut. Got a few pieces ordered.

Need to find a good source for 1860 trigger guards and backstraps. Got a couple more navy grips to swap out. Taylor says they have them on the website, but they're actually out of stock. Dixie gunworks has them, but I think they're old stock and my guns are newer. Took a ton of fitting to get the last pair to work.

Maybe I should just post my navy grip sets up for trade. Might find someone with the reverse problem I do who would appreciate navy sized grips.