How to make hardwood handgun grips

[leadcounsel]

So, I was examining some hardwood grips for my 1911 and CZ75 P01, and it occurred to me that with a dremmel tool, some small chisels, and sand paper and a little patience it would be relatively easy to make a set of grips.

I have a pile of scrap solid hardwood oak flooring, and could easily get scraps of other types of hardwood; even just the 6" end bits that are usually thrown away.

Anyone here have advice or experience? Not looking to start a business, but wittle some wood to relax and make some personal hand made grips for my various guns, including my CZ82.

Thanks!

 

[NVMM]

hope this helps
http://blindhogg.com/grips2.html
Somewhere (here?) theres alot of info. If I find it I'll post it for you.
You could try a search.
Heres a bunch of pages
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=347730&highlight=grip+making

 

[leadcounsel]

Thanks for the linky... I didn't see that in my search

 

[Oyeboten]

If not having access to a vertical 6x48 Stationary Belt Sander, then a usually hand held small one, mounted upside down or vertical in a Vice, can greatly aid in general shaping, sculpting...using the rounded end of the front Roller, also, if need be.


Using different grit Belts for progressive stages...of course.

Finishing touches then, Rasps or Files, by-hand, shaped Sticks with fine Abrasive Paper glued on ( 3M Super 77 works well for this )...000 Steel Wool...

 

[rmfnla]

Take a piece of wood and remove all material that does not look like a pistol grip...

 

[Sunray]

Oak usually makes lousy grips. Heavy stuff. Mind you, that's not always bad.

 

[leadcounsel]

bump

 

[NVMM]

I'll play again...
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=263495

 

[Snow Dog]

Here's a brief outline for making simple 1911 grips:
http://www.1911pistolgrips.com/process.php

 

[bikerdoc]

Go for it.

I find it tedious but oh so satisfying. A lot of good advice above. I can only add go slow and be deliberate in your design.

 

[Oyeboten]

Of course, fit the 'blank' to the Gun's most critical area when appaproriate ( Revolver usually for this), make the screw Holes and fit the Stock to the Gun with the Screws...get all this right before going on to finish shaping and sculpting the Stock blanks.

 

[greyling22]

I've made grips for 1911's and ruger mkii's using a belt sander on it's back and truoil. they've turned out fabulous. a scroll saw can help you get closer to the correct shape before you begin sanding, and you need a rough belt and a fine belt. finish progressively finer with hand sanding, the wet sand to fill the grain on an open grain wood (walnut) and you're good to go. be a little cautious and use a good bit when you drill the holes for the grip screws.

if you really want something fancy, you can go on ebay and get some incredible stuff for 20 bucks or so. search for "burl" or "grip scales" or something. I used redwood one time, it's soft like pine, but looks gorgeous. it dents easily and my drill bit tore the wood too aggressively. I ended up having to use a tiny grinding bit on a dremel tool to get a good hole. so stick with a hardwood. (duh right?)

http://cgi.ebay.com/k1461-Thuya-Bur...ible_Knives&hash=item439f885c4b#ht_4193wt_698

http://cgi.ebay.com/KNIFE-BLANK-EXO...aultDomain_0&hash=item1e5bf96157#ht_901wt_924

for example.

 

[nelsonal]

Take a piece of wood and remove all material that does not look like a pistol grip...

Sounds like Michelangelo's quote about making the statue David:

When they asked Michelangelo how he made his statue of David he is reported to have said, "It is easy. You just chip away the stone that doesn't look like David

 

[earlthegoat2]

more linky

this is a how to on SAA grips, same principle apply though

http://www.chipengelmann.com/Grips/MakingGrips.html

 

[rmfnla]

Sounds like Michelangelo's quote about making the statue David:

When they asked Michelangelo how he made his statue of David he is reported to have said, "It is easy. You just chip away the stone that doesn't look like David

Exactly!