Grip Makers

[Charlie]

Anyone know any individuals or small business handgun grip makers around Central Texas (or just Texas in general) that might be interested in trading some work for some grip material? I have some elk antler material that is cluttering up the garage. I'm not really interested in selling it, more like trading it for a set of grips for my 1911 and/or my S&W 640. The one antler I have left at this time is over three feet long and over 2 1/2" in diameter at the base. Anyone interested can message me for more information. I'll email a picture to anyone interested. 'Can't message or post pics anymore since Photobuttlick changed their policies, etc.

 

[grasshopperglock]

I haven't heard of anyone that makes grips. Somebody probably makes knifes though. Figure they'd jump on that deal. A wood hobbyist could also make them.

 

[jrbfishn]

Maverick might.

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[Charlie]

It's been a while since this thread started but haven't had any luck with finding grip makers around here. If I had a drill press I'd attempt to make a set for a 1911. I've got the other tools to do the job, just not able to drill the precision grip screw holes without a press. I taught woodworking for many years (many years ago) so I wouldn't mind trying and eventually doing some from that elk antler.

 

[Moonpie]

https://texasgrips.com/

 

[Axxe55]

It's been a while since this thread started but haven't had any luck with finding grip makers around here. If I had a drill press I'd attempt to make a set for a 1911. I've got the other tools to do the job, just not able to drill the precision grip screw holes without a press. I taught woodworking for many years (many years ago) so I wouldn't mind trying and eventually doing some from that elk antler.

I have made a couple of sets of grips for 1911's in the past. For the most part, 1911's are fairly easy. Many semi-auto pistols are fairly simple to ,ake grips for. Revolvers can get a bit tricky.

Working with antler is just about having the right tools to be able to cut and sand it to a proper final shape. Personally, I have never worked with any type of antler or bone. I do have some sheds that I want to practice with for knife handles, that should give me some decent handle material.

 

[Charlie]

I wouldn't mind attempting it if I had the right amount of equipment and the time. I've got enough woodworking experience from teaching it for years that will probably be able to cross over into some antler work if I had the right tools.

 

[Moonpie]

I wouldn't mind attempting it if I had the right amount of equipment and the time. I've got enough woodworking experience from teaching it for years that will probably be able to cross over into some antler work if I had the right tools.

You can't buy one of those smaller bench top drill presses?
I wouldn't think you'd need a bunch of equipment for a few attempts.
A small belt and disc sander would be another good tool.
What are we talking here? Couple hundred bucks?

 

[Charlie]

You can't buy one of those smaller bench top drill presses?
I wouldn't think you'd need a bunch of equipment for a few attempts.
A small belt and disc sander would be another good tool.
What are we talking here? Couple hundred bucks?

Probably not even that much. I've got a commercial belt sander with a wheel on it also. I've probably got all the stuff I need except the enthusiasm!

 

[Axxe55]

I wouldn't mind attempting it if I had the right amount of equipment and the time. I've got enough woodworking experience from teaching it for years that will probably be able to cross over into some antler work if I had the right tools.

MoonPie is right. An inexpensive benchtop drill press and a combo belt and disc sander can be bought for less than $200. Searching Craigslist for about half that.

 

[Charlie]

I've got the sander part covered. I small drill press would be good. I'm right on top of it. Grandsons and son-in-law coming sometime today from Tulsa to swap some couches for wife and daughter. Not sure how long they will be here but when they are gone, I might start working on some "practice" grips before I grind on the antler. Heh! I might even like to make some for the Ruger Birdshead!

 

[Moonpie]

http://wjowsa.com/how-to-make-1911-45-pistol-grips-part-1/

 

[Charlie]

http://wjowsa.com/how-to-make-1911-45-pistol-grips-part-1/

Great! Thanks!

 

[Charlie]

Think my sander would work?
Picture isn't going through.

 

[jrbfishn]

Harbor Fright is the answer you seek.
Step drill bits are the hardest tool to find. I use their bench-top drill press for knife handles. Works great.

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[Charlie]

Pic refuses to go through. Never-the-less, I do have a disc/belt sander that works great.

 

[Charlie]

The tiny step drill bit would really be the only thing I would need (and lots of practice).

 

[Charlie]

Harbor Fright is the answer you seek.
Step drill bits are the hardest tool to find. I use their bench-top drill press for knife handles. Works great.

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Are you saying Harbor Freight has the step drill bits.....or not?

 

[Axxe55]

Are you saying Harbor Freight has the step drill bits.....or not?

I think he means for the benchtop drill press. Last I looked they had one for about $80 at Harbor Freight.

 

[jrbfishn]

I do not believe they do. But I know a couple knife maker suppliers that should have one that will fit. I will know for sure when I make my next order. I need some to do some specialty pins.

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