Making Your own 1911 grips

[malblackbelt]

I have started to make a set of grips for a 1911 clone I was given. I have been using a dremel to sand to grips to the proper size but was wondering if anybody had any advice on an easier way to get the proper shape and size. I am planning on making more grips in the future and would like to make the process a little quicker and more uniform. Also if anybody has any advice on what finish should be used to seal the wood that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[mcwjr13]

I would pm SRT1 and ask.

 

[malblackbelt]

I did ask him in one of his older threads but wasn't sure if it was still being read

 

[mcwjr13]

Yeah I checked his profile and it shows he hasn't been on since Feb. 13th 09

 

[malblackbelt]

Thanks for the info I just finished pming him so hopefully he'll reply.

 

[rcmodel]

A 4" x 36" bench belt sander is the best way I know of.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921514000P?mv=cf&vName=Tools&cName=Bench+Power+Tools

Much easier to keep flats flat, tapers tapered, and rounded corners rounded.

Here's some I have made:
Ivory, Walnut, Walnut, Rosewood.


rc

 

[Floppy_D]

Nice, rc!

 

[malblackbelt]

nice pieces rc model unfortunately I don't have access to that large of a belt sander do you think that a smaller model would work something that your average carpenter would have? thanks for the insight

 

[rcmodel]

Before I had a belt sander, I used a 6" disk sander attachment in a 1/4" electric drill.

In fact I made my first two rifle stocks that way.

Just hand-held the drill, and a calibrated eyeball is all it takes!

You can do surprisingly good shaping with one once you get the feel of it.

On the otherhand, the belt-sander I linked to only costs a little over a hundred bucks.

And Harbor Freight has them for $75.00.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93981

But back to your first questions:
If you plan to make more grips in the future, you are going to have to bite the bullet and get some equipment. Might as well be now.

I use nothing but Birchwood-Casey Tru-Oil stock finish on all wood grips, knife handles, and rifle stocks I make.

rc

 

[malblackbelt]

Thank you very much for the for the info right now I'm a college student so I don't have the money but I do have access to a fairly extensive shop owned by an old coworker he might have a belt sander i can borrow. Does the Tru-oil give a very shiny clear finish?

 

[rcmodel]

Did you look at the grip picture I just posted earlier?

The two walnut S&W grips are Tru-Oil finished.

rc

 

[malblackbelt]

ok. does it darken the wood or just give it a shine?

 

[Sunray]

"...that a smaller model would work..." Yep. Way better than a rotary tool as well. Let's you use both hands to hold and move the wood

 

[malblackbelt]

thanks for the info as soon as I get home from college this week i'm gonna see if I can dig up a belt sander to finish the other grip