Grip Work, info?

[moosehunt]

This isn't about metal work, but it is gunsmithing, per se, and this is the only logical thread area. I am making some grips for my Ruger Bisley--pretty custom, I guess, because I significantly altered the grip frame (made it longer). Anyway, the question involves the treatment of the wood--Macassar Ebony. Should I have the wood stabilized? The wood supplier recommended I do, but talking with a company that does it, the gent suggested that it was a non-needed expense, that I should just keep the grips oiled over time. He said that even if I had the ebony stabilized, that I still would need to keep it oiled, so no great gain. Any input here? Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

I have used ebony on knife handles.

It does tend to want to crack over time.

I used Hot-Stuff thin CYA adhesive to seal the end grain, followed by sanding and buffing to a high shine. No other finish used.
and so far so good after 15 years or so.

Thin CYA will suck in the grain until it is filled, then instantly cure. After that it can be sanded and finished normally.

http://www.caglue.com/products.html

rc

 

[moosehunt]

Thanks, Mr Model. I have to ask, though, what is CYA? (Other than Cover Your A--).

 

[matrem]

Read the link he posted..It will explain!

 

[moosehunt]

Excuse me, but I read what Mr. Model posted. He used (recommended) Hot Stuff thin CYA. It seals the end grain, is sucked in the grain and cures instantly. I can read! I'm interested! But I don't have a clue of what the product , CYA, that he referrs to is. Is that so bad? That's why I asked. Now, Mr. Model, assuming I find out what it is, i.e. what to buy, do I understand you to say that you use it after completing the project (grips) or before? Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

There is a link to the company in my first post.

Cyanoacrylate adhesive, or CYA is what Crazy Glue is.
Hot-Stuff is a much better grade of it.

It cures in the absence of air.

So, when you fill a crack, or wood grain with it, it instantly hardens and seals the openings.

You can buy it at any Hobby Shop that caters to radio control models or crafts.

I use it on end grain after shaping, and before final sanding and buffing.

rc

 

[moosehunt]

Thank you very much, Mr. Model. I know exactly what you are talking about now--just didn't connect with the CYA abreviation.