well, about 2 hours work and some beautiful cherry burl was all for naught...
ivar,
Looks like you were on the right track. As you already know, I'm sure, crosscut wood is very brittle and easy to crack. If you could pick out some good blanks that is straight grain or even quarter sawn, it will withstand a lot more abuse. What is the wood in the top picture, walnut? Was that the original grips, or some that you made? As I said before, if there is any way that I can give you some direction, don't hesitate to contact me.
Just to keep the thread updated. I am working on some more Ivory at the present, and will post them when finished. Ivory is a lot slower to work than wood, there are many things to take into consideration, such as humidity, and heat from sanding, etc.
I also have several pair of exotic wood grips I have made since the last posting. I will post some of them when I post the Ivory.
Ivarr:
I never did hear from you. I sure hope you have not given up.
actually, i pretty much have.
wrecked another 3 attempts with more cherry burl, and that small stuff shaping is just not something i'm adept enough at.
i'm really just wasting valuable burl and turning it into kindling for the wood stove.
Don't give up, give me a call sometime and lets discuss the problem that you may be encountering. I'm almost sure I can lead you in the right direction, and know for a fact that it gives a great sense of satisfaction once completed. Get the first pair under your belt, then it only gets better. We all had to build our first set.
Carl
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.
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.
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:
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.
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?
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.
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!
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
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
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, 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
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.
121 - 140 of 707 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
A forum community dedicated to all firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!