Chasing embossed checkering

[Relodr]

I despise embossed checkering but couldn't pass up a really sweet shooting (consistent 1/2 " 50 yard groups with garden variety ammo) Marlin .22 WMR with butt ugly embossed checkering. Years ago I read about chasing the embossed checkering with standard checkering tools, ending up with something akin to normal checkering with a few hours work. Where might I get some how to info? No hesitation replacing the stock if it gets to be a chore or I dork it up.

 

[Fumbler]

This is a very good tutorial on checkering grips.
The same basic principles apply to your situation...actually for you it'd be a lot easier as the checkering lines are already established.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=182832

I've done a set of plain 1911 grips and they came out surprisingly well...much better than cheap checkered grips.

I get my checkering tools from www.midwayusa.com

 

[rcmodel]

If it is real embossed checkering "checkering" it can be fairly easily pointed up.

If it is basket-weave checkering, or some odd variation, no.

You need to determine the LPI, or lines per inch with a thread guage and then pick the right checkering tools.

http://www.dembartco.com/products.htm

Brownells & Midway sell them.

rc

 

[Fumbler]

You don't necessarily need multiple line cutter heads if you have real embossed checkering. All you'd need is a single cutter just to chase down the rows.

If it's the basket weave like rcmodel says, then the multiple line cutters will make the job go faster. It can be done with a single line cutter, but you'd have to reestablish each line. The cutter heads are cheap, so you might as well pick up a bunch of different ones.
Buy two or three of the single line cutters...they seem to get used the most and wear out quicker.

 

[Relodr]

Thanks guys. I've got my Midway and Brownells catalogs in front of me now. I just may be able to do a respectable job on this. If so it could make the 25 cent factory stock into at least a $5 one!
Fumbler: That tutorial by Mr. science is impressive to say the least. His self deprecating intro is obviously tongue in cheek. He has to be a 'smith in hiding.
The heart of the thing is the photography. Very impressive. Even with digital cameras, this must have taken gobs of hours. I'm negotiating for one so I might be able to report on this little project.

 

[Jim K]

I am not sure about that rifle, but the earlier Remington embossed checkering had the diamonds pressed in and the space between them raised. It could be recut but it was a PITA as the tool kept trying to follow the wrong path. Most folks just left it alone, as it wasn't bad looking, just not much for getting a grip.

Jim

 

[Jim Watson]

Friend of mine developed a technique that let him cut pressed checkering into sort of a positive pattern. It wasn't very pretty, but it gave a better grip.