1911 grips

[H-D]

Yeah I saw those they were cool I've been thinking about some earrings we have here at the shop(I work for Harley) to inlay in a set I've never tried inlay before

[H-D]

These didnt have quite as much figure as the others

[JLA]

Those grips make that weapon. Very fine work HD.

[H-D]

Thanks!

[Woodnut]

H-D
I think I have noticed it before, but don't think I talked about it.
I noticed that you are from Meridian, thats not to far from me, maybe we should have a visit some day. It's only about 2-1/2 hours from here. I did a job in Epps Ala. a few years back and got fairly familiar with Meridian. I am right on the Coast as I am sure you are aware of. Let's see if we can't meet sometime and discuss grip making, among other things. You could have rode with me to the TFF BBQ, I came right through there, and would have enjoyed the company.
Keep up the good work.

[lonewolf204]

I like the way they look, good job!

[sting75ray]

Great looking grips.

[H-D]

Sounds fun but I usually have no free time in the day I work monday then take my 12 mo old daughter to speech, occupational, and physical therapy on tuesdays work wed-sat take my 5 yo twins to ch on sunday someday I would really love to come see how you do it though all I have is a cheapo drill press , and a 6x46 belt and 9 inch disk sander tucked in the corner of my garage behind motorcycle parts lawn mower and kids toys

[H-D]

thanks lonewolf, sting75ray I appreciate it

[Woodnut]

H-D
Almost the same tools that I have, except I do have a table saw that I use quite often.

[H-D]

I'd love to have a table saw or a band saw or both maybe Mrs. H-D will buy me one for christmas

[Woodnut]

I have a cheap band saw that is of no use what so ever. It will not cut a straight line, it is no good for re-saw work. The only thing I use it for is to trim the excess off of the wood before I go to the sanding belt. So beware of the band saws, a good one will cost a little more but will be worth it to you. If I had it to go over I would buy a large floor model. Those things are awesome and will do whatever you need done.

[H-D]

I'm trying to find a used table saw (can probably talk Mrs. H-D into it because I need it to do some cabinet work here) but the band saw I have been lookin at was a small tabletop one glad to know I will stay away from it the tablesaw was all I ever used when doing knife handles and the sander

[H-D]

Made some new grips last night , finished them today
Black Linen Micarta

[Woodnut]

Great Job H-D

Keep up the good work.

[H-D]

Thanks Carl , coming from you that really means a lot

[H-D]

Made some cocobolo bobtail grips tonight!

[Woodnut]

H-D
very nice work. You are really improving. The only thing I see that I would do a little different, and this is just my opinion and is a matter of preference. On the bottom of the bobtail, I like to hide the main spring pin. To do this you leave the wood all the way out to the edge of the metal frame. Then drill an indent in the back so the pin does not hit the wood. By doing this you get a more grip width and it fits the bobtail look. Again let me say that this is not the only way to do it, its just my opinion for what it's worth.
I have seen them both ways as I'm sure you have too. So either way is fine.
If you want to fill the pores of the Cocobolo and make them like glass you can get some de-waxed shellac and give them a coat after sanding. I usually wipe them with a little MEK or Acetone to remove all the natural oil that I can. Then apply the De-Waxed Shellac. It only takes about 10 minutes to dry and then another coat can be applied. It is good for filling and will dry. A lot of times on a natural oily wood like Cocobolo the regular finishes are really hard to dry. After applying the final coat of shellac, let it dry overnight then put any kind of finish on it that you like. They will all dry and look fantastic.
Hope this is some helpful information.

[H-D]

Thanks for the tips Carl ! The msh pin looks better covered to me too, but I cut these too far and a 1_16th was showing of the pin so it looked better to me all showing , where do I get the shellac ? Lowes or ace hardware or is it hard to find ? I realized after an hour that the oil I tried to put on them would not dry, I wiped it off and sanded them to 1000 grit, but I can still see the pores

[Woodnut]

I get the spray from Lowes. Zissers Shellac, spray can. Normally if I want all the pores filled I will put 5 or 6 coats of it on. This will leave a finish that has a corse pebble look. After I am sure all the pores are full amd it is completely dry, I then sand with 400 to be sure the surface is smooth and all the light spots are sanded out. At that point you can use any finish you want oil or water base, it won't matter.
You can order the pint cans and apply it with a cloth or a sponge brush which is actually better. The pint cans can be ordered from Woodcraft.com. little expensive but last forever.

[the wolf]

great work on the grips!.. thinking to get mine done in maple...