Home made grips

K on the run · Post by **K on the run** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:53 pm

I tried to make some grips for my S&W Tanaka.
I'm not all that pleased with the result but it was a learning experience and I'm going to make a second set only this time I'll do it the right way.
I wont go in to details only say that the hard part was the diamond pattern and the right way (for me) was to cut the lines with -a no to sharp- knife.
The size adjustment of the grip was done with wood chisels.
The center diamond and the groove around the edge was also done with wood chisels.

Best regards,
Kim

Pics
http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/wesdcv/grip/

carebear · Post by **carebear** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 11:19 pm

If you think you'll be doing this a couple more times, you can always get a proper set of checkering tools from www.brownells.com.

Nothing like an excuse to buy a new tool.

IndyFan89 · Post by **IndyFan89** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:31 am

That is really good. Is this your first time? Can you post a Tutorial?

K on the run · Post by **K on the run** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:58 pm

Oh thanks carebear. I was wondering just what tool one would use. Do you know which one makes the diamond shape. I prefer a stamping tool rather than a cutting tool.
IndyFan89: maybe but I'm sure that we have more competent people to make a "gun grip how to" here on COW.
-Kim

carebear · Post by **carebear** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 3:26 pm

K on the run wrote:Oh thanks carebear. I was wondering just what tool one would use. Do you know which one makes the diamond shape. I prefer a stamping tool rather than a cutting tool.
IndyFan89: maybe but I'm sure that we have more competent people to make a "gun grip how to" here on COW.
-Kim

I don't think I've ever seen a stamping tool for stock (or grip) checkering in wood, I think it would crush rather than make sharp relief.

You did yours the right way, just without the benefit of specialized tools and formal patterns (they also have kits with spacers to make them nice and even). From what I can tell from reading the odd "how-to" article and looking at tools, usually the diamonds are created by alternating cuts with a v-shaped cutter. The same pattern as the diamonds cut into ballfield grass.

Google online for "gunstock checkering". Here's a thread I found on a gun forum that covers a lot of the kind of questions you're asking as far as books and vids and tools and things. Your library or local used bookstore probably has books on gunsmithing and stock making for cheap. If you like wood working and are detail oriented it could be a new hobby.

http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=22034

IndyFan89 · Post by **IndyFan89** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 3:38 pm

Was it hard to do?

K on the run · Post by **K on the run** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:13 pm

carebear, I did find some tools online that was kinda stamping tools like this on:

so I made a similar tool only mine is a little simpler:

I can control the spacing better with it.

The grips was cut from a mahogany block and chiseled/sanded in to shape. The final fitting was done by hand with a chisel.
When it had the right shape I marked the edges and center diamond with a pencil.
Then it was time to do the checkered pattern

I tried two different approaches this time.
On the first grip I cut the lines along the edges first and made the checkered pattern afterwards, not entirely good.
On the second grip I reversed it and made the checkered pattern first and cut last, much better this way. I had more control when marking close to the edges and the tool did not slip as easily.
Pics here:
http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/wesdcv/grip2/

Yes it was hard IndyFan89

but I enjoyed my self. If I decide to make a third pair Ill definitely buy a proper checkering tool.

Hope this will do as a tutorial IndyFan89.

Best regards,
Kim

carebear · Post by **carebear** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:24 pm

Nice job!

Always impressive when you make your own tools to do the work.

K on the run · Post by **K on the run** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:30 pm

Thanks carebear.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 4:09 pm

Most impressive Kim. As usual

Regards,

Marc

K on the run · Post by **K on the run** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 5:43 pm

Thanks Marc.
Let me just hijack my own tread for a moment and tell you how much I look forward to post a review of your handiwork

Any news?

Best regards,
Kim

Oh yes, I just shaved of the ugly checkered pattern on the "first attempt" grips with a chisel and applied a new pattern with the home made tool.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 12:32 pm

[yodavoice]Patience young Padawan. Patience...[/yodavoice]

Regards,

Marc

K on the run · Post by **K on the run** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:10 pm

[sulkyvoice] But it's a whole 'nother year.[/sulkyvoice]

Kim