Pics of my Kimbers wearing my first attempt at grips

[SRT1]

Despite my working with exotic woods for furniture, jewelry boxes, pens etc as a hobby, I never thought to make pistol grips until just last weekend.
Following are my Kimbers (a CDPII and an Ultra CarryII LG) both stock, and dressed up in the template set of grip panels, my first set. I can't wait to dig into the really cool woods soon! These are fairly plain Bubinga, but I have quite a store of highly figured, gallery grade woods that would be perfect for grips.
Note - I'm not trying to sell here, just post pics of something I'm excited about. IF it comes to sales, I'll post in the appropriate section.

 

[CountGlockula]

The look is a great improvement. Great job!

 

[SRT1]

Thanks! It's going to be a fun weekend. It's finally warm enough to get out to the shop without having to heat it up for hours prior.

 

[Caimlas]

Looks good.

Might I ask, where do you get your exotic wood? I've been looking for a shop where I can just order smaller blocks or boards of it (I want to make grips and a chess board/pieces for my dad for Christmas out of cocobolo and/or maybe white oak or russian birch) but the descriptive method used is not clear on most sites, or I'm not sure the dimensions are correct to what I'd need.

 

[SRT1]

Check your pm's in a few minutes.

 

[welshgrouser]

grips look very nice....

I've been thinking of trying to make some myself for a revolver..

Johnson's workbench... they are a wood working store geared toward furniture etc. think they must have a web....

http://www.theworkbench.com/index.php

this is where i get my stuff

 

[SRT1]

Thanks! They're fun to make once you get your hard template made (it has to be exact and can be a bit of a booger), but one that's out of the way, it's all fun.
since there are others that are interested, here's a great site for blocks:
http://www.exoticwood.biz/woodchart.htm
SRT

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Those look sweet indeed.

 

[blgoode]

good for you!! That aint an easy job.

 

[gunmn74]

I tried to make grips for j-frame last summer. I was starting buy carving them
as on piece and then was going to cut them on a band-saw. I was useing
some nice wallnut and just before I got the shape I split off a big chunk
and that was the end of that. Atleast 20 hours wasted.

 

[SRT1]

You should give it another shot. Yes, it's got to be exact and right, and yes, it may take more than one try, but think of the pride of ownership you'll have in that weapon with grip panels that you made on it! Once you get that first "right" set out of the way, it gets easier and you start figuring out little ways to do it better and easier with a better product in the end. You'll be addicted once you get into the exotic and wild woods, I guarantee it!
I just put the first coat of finish on two sets last night, one in gallery grade beeswing Narra, and the other a sunbrust pattern Box Elder Burl. Both are going to be beautiful when finished. I'll post pics when they are.

 

[SRT1]

More grips

Two sets that I'm finishing now. The pics were taken after the first of four total coats of polyurethane. After the fourth coat, these will be glass smooth and perfect.
Went with poly over the lacquer on these for the harder finish and better moisture protection.
The light colored set here is bookmatched Box Elder Burl with a beautiful sunburst pattern to the graining. Yes, it's natural. I don't color or stain wood, it's beautiful enough without it as these pics prove.
The darker set is made from Beeswing Narra and has great rolling figure that "moves" as you roll it in the light. Gorgeous wood!
I cut blanks for 4 more sets last night (2 in amboyna burl, pencil spalted maple, color spalted maple) I may be addicted.