How to customize your 1911 grips

[glocknut]

Originally Posted by ivarr

well, about 2 hours work and some beautiful cherry burl was all for naught...

SUPERGLUE!!!!

mike
gn

[hotsights]

Originally Posted by Woodnut

Here is a set of Stabilized Amboyna Burl that I have just finished. They have the most beautiful grain patterns. The grain runs deep and the picture as usual does not do them justice.
Has anyone got any ideas on a design for these grips or should I leave them plain? Mayby some medallions, but what kind? Give me some ideas. Enjoy the scenery. Look deep into the wood.

Carl, these grips are absolutely, beautiful. You're also correct about looking into the wood. I can see various images (no, not a drinker) just have a spiritual sense about natural things and how to appreciate and respect and most of all, Listen to them. I'm working on a pair of 1911 grips using Red Oak hand cut with a hand saw, wow, that is a lot of work, but the grain is so beautiful. I'll be back, your work is beautiful and thanks for being so gracious.

[hotsights]

Woodnut,

Your work is inspiring and very much appreciated. I've been working on some Red Oak grips that are about done. Its been a trip as you know, to try this type of art for the first time, but its been very rewarding. I really enjoy your detail carving technique, thanks. I can learn by looking at your worrk, but it will take a long time to be able to even come close. Its all about the enjoyment and self-reward sometimes, I think.

[guns4life]

Woodnut I have a bunch of black walnut here in sc that has been drying for 5 plus years if you can find a way to get it you can have it for a set of grips for my 1911 GUNS 4 LIFE

[hotsights]

This is a prototype I'm working on for a 1911 set of Marine Corps Grips.

[Woodnut]

Originally Posted by hotsights

This is a prototype I'm working on for a 1911 set of Marine Corps Grips.

hotsights:
I have been out of State for the last 8 days and have just now read the thread. You are doing a fantastic job. I just wish this last picture was as big as the one in the post of the inlays. It's hard to see exactly what you are doing. But from what I can tell you are really on the right track. Remember, if you ever have a question on how I do my work, I keep no secrets and will share any information with you. There are a few jigs that I use which I made to speed up the process. Other than that the process is fairly straight forward and simple. I hope I can help with your progress.
Keep up the good work.

[hotsights]

Hi WoodNut,

I just visited your site and in case you have not been advised, you're good, real Good {notice the Capital "G"} I love the art work you did on that Remington & you have a beautiful 1911-A1 {I want it!}Thanks for the comment. I have 2 pc's 1 can't open the advanced version for uploads & I forget which gives you the big pic, URL or from your PC so, I'm trying for "from my pc." I saw where you do eveything by hand and that is excellent. I use a hand tooth saw, hand files & sand paper, but I also, now have a Dremel. I'm a member of the 3/4 Marine site, 500 + members and they have given me nice comments on the Marine prototype & ask, why don't I finish it? I keep getting new ideas for our Combat experiences in Nam & have to think them through. I want something about Nam for the guys on the grips, so. I plan to do the real grip using Japanese Maple. I need lots of help, don't know where to start, aren't Jigs the little dance the Irish do?

[hotsights]

WoodNut,

Thought you would like this one, never fired a round through her. MOP Grips.

[Woodnut]

Originally Posted by hotsights

WoodNut,

Thought you would like this one, never fired a round through her. MOP Grips.

That gun is awesome, if you want Colt Medallions I have the silver and gold rampart colt medallions in stock, would be glad to ship you a pair. PM me if you are interested.

The jigs I was referring to are of 2 or 3 different types. I have one that is a metal plate that I put bushings in so I would be sure the holes would be the right distance apart. Another one is I put one bushing and a pilot hole. After the first hole is drilled then the second one is drilled through the pilot hole. Perfect fit every time. I also have a wood jig that I made to cut the top relief in the left grip on the back side. Another one that is made out of wood for the Ambi Cut. I use a router bit for my dremel to work with these wooden jigs. I can explain how I control the depth of the cut if you are interested.

I really think you are doing a fine job as is, the only thing I am trying to do is give you an easer and faster way of doing it and getting it right every time.
I do hope some of these suggestions will be of help. You are welcome to call me any time. My number is on my site.

[Woodnut]

Here is another set of Ivory that I just finished for the gun and knife show beginning tomorrow. I'm almost sure they will get a lot of attention.
The other picture is of some Elk horn grips that I traded for (did not build), then I inlaid some LSU Tiger ear rings in the grips, nice conversation piece.
Enjoy!

[hotsights]

Woodnut,

Very beautiful design, graceful and smooth as polished silk. The Ivory grips are unique in appearence with that sweeping curve and the Ivory grain has a nice, distingushed look about it as if Royalty will be using them to enhance a very fine hand gun. The screw holes are very clean and smooth, the grips just have that soft flow to them. They must be a pleasure just to hold the grips in ones hand.

The Elk horn grips remind me of how far I have yet to go with the proper technigue of doing inlay. The natural look of the Elk horn again, flows with the beauty of strength and rugged durability. I think you are what the oriental would call a Master and as humble as you are, you would never say that yourself. Your work shows the pride of a craftsman. Your effort will not lack for attention, but will likely be in need of crowd control. What show will these art works be shown at? Yes, I'd say I enjoyed this presentation right here and it did not cost me a thing. Even had I paid for admission I would have received my money's worth. Thank You

[Woodnut]

Hotsights, Wow, I need to hire you as my advertiser. Thank you so much for the very kind words. The show is at Slidell, LA. I went yesterday afternoon to set up and another man (gun dealer) bought the Elk horn as soon as I laid them on the table. He bought them for his daughter for Christmas. I only wish I had some more of those Medallions (ear rings). There is no telling how many I could sell since I am right in the middle of the LSU territory.

I usually do fairly good at the shows. I hope economy has not hurt the grip business too much.
I will have more pictures to post after the show.
Thank you again for the good and kind words, they are what keeps me going.
Carl

[Keystone]

Woodnut, I just got a RIA 1911 .45acp. After seeing all your grips, I want to try my hand at this. I see grips on e-bay, too much money for them. I'm cheap.(SMILE) Have you ever tried Purple Heart Wood? I bought a lot of wood scales on e-bay about 2 years ago. All kinds of wood. I would really like to make some grips out of my purple heart wood. I heard you can burn this type of wood very easy. Any pointers for a cheap guy here?

[Woodnut]

Originally Posted by Keystone

Woodnut, I just got a RIA 1911 .45acp. After seeing all your grips, I want to try my hand at this. I see grips on e-bay, too much money for them. I'm cheap.(SMILE) Have you ever tried Purple Heart Wood? I bought a lot of wood scales on e-bay about 2 years ago. All kinds of wood. I would really like to make some grips out of my purple heart wood. I heard you can burn this type of wood very easy. Any pointers for a cheap guy here?

Keystone,
Thanks for the inquiry. Yes the purplehart burns very quickly with a belt sander, I just made 4 sets out of it and really don't like it all that well as far as working it. But the wood is very pretty when finished. The flat and rounded part is not to bad to burn, but it is the cross grain sanding that is a bugger.
If I can help you along the way, don't hesitate to contact me either by email, PM, or phone 228 255 0822
I hope I can be of some help to you.
Have you built grips before?
Carl

[Keystone]

Woodnut, thanks for getting back so fast. I have never made any wood grips before. I know woodworking stuff. I'm deaf, born that way. So I can't use the phone but I will stay in touch with you on here. I'll wait on the purple heart wood. I'll get some cheaper wood and try that first. Hate to mess up any GOOD wood, know what I mean? I'm going to keep watching your GREAT art work of grips on here.

[Woodnut]

Originally Posted by Keystone

Woodnut, thanks for getting back so fast. I have never made any wood grips before. I know woodworking stuff. I'm deaf, born that way. So I can't use the phone but I will stay in touch with you on here. I'll wait on the purple heart wood. I'll get some cheaper wood and try that first. Hate to mess up any GOOD wood, know what I mean? I'm going to keep watching your GREAT art work of grips on here.

Keystone,
You can email me any time at h2owork@aol.com
If I can't explain with typing, I will shoot some photo's and maybe that will help. Just ask whaterver you need to know and I will do my best to get you in the business. It is something that is really rewarding, to see and feel something you have built yourself. That's the only thing that keeps me going is the beauty and feel of the finished product.
Let me hear from you. I didn't mean to scare you off of the Purplehart, If you already have some, then give it a try. It just takes a lot of hand sanding on the ends after shaping with belt sander to get the burnt ends looking good again.
Carl

[40CalJoe]

Rarely to I look at every page on threads this long, but I made an exception on this on. Fine craftsmanship is an understatement regarding your work sir. I will certainly be looking at your site.

Thank-you for sharing your work with us.

[Woodnut]

Just finished another pair of grips that ya'll might be interested in looking at.
The grips are made from Desert Ironwood Burl with some awesome grain effects. These effects are hard to see in the photographs. The only way to really appreciate them, or any wood is to hold it in your hand. Pictures never do it justice. Anyway, back to the grips. My wife had some New Orleans Saints ear rings that I confiscated and cut the eyelet off and inlaid into these grips. Since I only live about 45 minutes from New Orleans, I thought these might go over big here.
Enjoy.

[hotsights]

40CalJoe,

Your comment is right on, I've just about decided to make this gentleman's web-site my home page, I'll be able to get there faster. This very minute, I'm working on a pair of 1911 custom grips using Japanese Maple. I'm following some procedural guidence that WoodNut has shared with me. not only is he an exceptional craftsman, he is an outstanding human being as youwill discover on your own.

[Woodnut]

Gosh Guys!
I really am impressed with all the kindness ya'll have expressed, makes me feel like I might be doing something right for a change.

Thought you might like to see another set that I did for a Navy Seal. These are some Arizona Desert Ironwood grips. The gentleman sent me the Trident's to inlay and I just finished them yesterday. I emailed him a photo of them and he really likes them. They are some beautiful grips. The picture never does them justice. The grain in this piece of burl is something to behold, it's though you can look right into the wood.
Enjoy!

[Woodnut]

Here are my latest. This is a .44 cowboy styl pistol with maple panels. The gentleman is left handed so he only wanted the stippling on the left grip. Pretty fancy Maple.
Enjoy!

[hotsights]

Must be illegal to do work this beautiful because I ain't seen the likes of it no-wheres else. I suppose that when you do it with pride and with heart, the craftmanship can withstand the scrutiny of even the closest, close up. The grain is gorgeous and it appears to be a natural finish showing off the polished effect of fine sanding? The Western Star seems to have grown from within the Maple and not inlaid into it. What specie of Maple is this? I bet you could take a tooth-pick and turn it into Excaliber. Nice, smooth and accurate edging alone to internal grip design, I forgot the correct word, but very smooth, also adds to the grip-a-bility, I reckon. As we often say in the Marine Corps, Well Done!

[yellerdawg]

Woodnut, your work is very nice, as always. I am sorry I havent posted any pics per my sets, but Ihope I have a camera again soon.

If I didnt before, I am only offering the following link for two reasons for you....


1- perhaps another source you can have for medallions.....at $ 14 a pair...these are good....maybe as a dealer also, he will give his source...?


2- Just in case you need a source for some wierd composite you dont already provide...( non wood...etc...).....I have heard good about this guy...and just ordered some "John Wayne " yellow set...as I got a hankerin for them.....

If you should ever do any grip other than 1911....also a good source for grip plates/butt plate and spacers..etc....

You probably know of this link, but am offering it anyway, case you or others want to check it out......I know shopping thru "Michaels" or similiar for pins and tie tacks ...etc.....doesnt always provide enough "inlay" examples...etc....and its seeming like inlays are more prominent with you and others also....

Just trying to help....keep up the good wood working.....


regards,

...also....I have no vested interest in this link...just a medallion source

http://www.tombstonegrips.com

[Woodnut]

Originally Posted by yellerdawg

Woodnut, your work is very nice, as always. I am sorry I havent posted any pics per my sets, but Ihope I have a camera again soon.

If I didnt before, I am only offering the following link for two reasons for you....


1- perhaps another source you can have for medallions.....at $ 14 a pair...these are good....maybe as a dealer also, he will give his source...?


2- Just in case you need a source for some wierd composite you dont already provide...( non wood...etc...).....I have heard good about this guy...and just ordered some "John Wayne " yellow set...as I got a hankerin for them.....

If you should ever do any grip other than 1911....also a good source for grip plates/butt plate and spacers..etc....

You probably know of this link, but am offering it anyway, case you or others want to check it out......I know shopping thru "Michaels" or similiar for pins and tie tacks ...etc.....doesnt always provide enough "inlay" examples...etc....and its seeming like inlays are more prominent with you and others also....

Just trying to help....keep up the good wood working.....


regards,

...also....I have no vested interest in this link...just a medallion source

http://www.tombstonegrips.com

Thanks Yellerdawg.

I know about this link and have ordered medallions from him before. Yes they are very good medallions, and fast shipping. It is hard to keep an inventory of medallions, because you just never know what the public will want. I usually keep in stock mostly military and star medallions.
Thanks so much for keeping me in your thoughts, and I appreciate the link.
Carl

[Woodnut]

Originally Posted by hotsights

Must be illegal to do work this beautiful because I ain't seen the likes of it no-wheres else. I suppose that when you do it with pride and with heart, the craftmanship can withstand the scrutiny of even the closest, close up. The grain is gorgeous and it appears to be a natural finish showing off the polished effect of fine sanding? The Western Star seems to have grown from within the Maple and not inlaid into it. What specie of Maple is this? I bet you could take a tooth-pick and turn it into Excaliber. Nice, smooth and accurate edging alone to internal grip design, I forgot the correct word, but very smooth, also adds to the grip-a-bility, I reckon. As we often say in the Marine Corps, Well Done!

Hotsigts;

Thanks again for the kind words. You have a way with words that I have never had. It is so hard for me to express my thoughts into words for typing. Now on the other hand, if I can be in front of the person I can talk my way out of a paper bag, in other words I don't have a problem expressing my point in person, except for a speech problem I have and have had all my life, and will have until I die. Stuttering.
All this being said, I like to forgot why I answered this thread, the Maple is Rock Maple and is really beautiful. Not a lot of burl but just enouth grain to make it look good, and just a beautiful color finished with natural finish. These have been finished with Birchwood Casey's Tru-Oil gun stock finish, after much sanding.
Thanks again
Carl