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Well I finally got to build a little tool that I have been wanting to get to for some time.
It`s mostly made from stuff from my scrap box along with some simple pillow block bearings I got off of Amazon.
This in going to keep me busy for some time. I have three pairs of Vaquqros that need new grips.
The first ones will be patterns to cut the final ones off of so I can get a proper fit. The factory ones are OK but desire a lot in the fit department and I want exotic woods and fine walnut sets to show off.
I will post some pictures of the finished grips when I get some done.
I will be working the next couple days to pay for more toys.
That`s nice Chuck, good job, looking forward to seeing the grip you make.
Because I Can, and Have
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USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
Friend Alphawolf45 , The main thing is that the pattern and block of wood you are cutting are mounted so the holes are the same distance apart as the distance from the center of the stylus to the cutter.The router and stylus are mounted on bearings also so there is 3 axis movement there.I have locating dowels behind, that are not seen in the picture, to stabilize the pieces as the little #5x40 screws are not very strong. It will duplicate accurately as long as the block of wood is large enough.It saves a lot of whittlin, ( the way I made these ).
should save a bunch of time and make them easier to match up.
I sure wish I could afford a little CNC mill.
For the amount I will be doing,This way will get-er-done.
Chuck,
Really good tool design. I did the job for 20 years and taught it for 20 and I admire your design.
I also make grips but just for the SAA Colt. I only try the one piece style so would have to secure my blank and pattern without a screw hole. Not a problem, just wood screws from the back side would do it. I make them in 3 pieces then glue them together on the gun. If you try this, use lots of mold release so they don't become permanently attached.
M. M. Wright, Sheriff, Green county Arkansas (1860)
Currently living my eternal life.
NRA Life
SASS
ITSASS
I did a couple one piece type grips on Rugers. Takes a bit of metal work before getting to the grips (about 11 hours for me). I started with rough rosewood blanks to do the one piece grips.
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt-
Isnt it amazing how many people post without reading the thread?
NIce work guys, One piece grips are very nice looking but not possible on the Ruger one piece grip frame without major modification.
Some make a blind screw on one side to make that side look one piece. Kinda dumb to my way of thinking.
Aww now that you 'splained it Chuck ,I see that 3rd axis motion...That is slick.. You sure did a real purty job building that carving machine. Betcha I could build an ugly version of it
Alphawolf45 , Pard, I just know yours will be a bunch more accurate than mine.
Your gun builds show that you are the PRO that we wish we could be.
I wanted this thing to be workable but inexpensive. It seems it will get the job done.
Now to make some patterns to copy so I can cover more models than just the new Vaquaro size grips.
I have a nice piece of Zebra wood all ready to go for my first pair of Vaquqro .45`s. I haven't seen any made of that wood before. http://www.woodcraft.com/family/2000711/zebrawood.aspx
Light tan with dark brown,almost black, stripes.
Boy for a "scrap" made tool, that is slick. Sure wouldn't have guessed it was from scrap if you hadn't said so. That's a nice piece of equipment.
That has my mind racing with ideas. I wonder if there is a way to make it go up and down? Or does it already? I am thinking of finding a way to copy a stock.
That is really neat; if possible can you show a picture of the Z-axis bearing setup. The pics of the X and Y setup are great and show how those axes work real good.
Tks,
Bob in Friday Harbor
Don't look back something might be gaining on you.
-Leroy "Satchel" Paige
That's just tooo Cool for School Chuck. I don't think You r going to be bored in Your retirement.
Those Grips U showed look good. Is Walnut plentiful up North ? Keep up the good work and show Us those Zebra Grips.
Perry
handirifle ,Yes it does go up and down.
See those pillow block bearings under the carriage that the stylus and router are mounted on.
Well that carriage slides right and left and also swivels up and down.
The stylus and cutter can go up and down right and left forward and back and any combination of the above at the same time.
The cutter and stylus swing in an arc but as long as they stay in the same plane they will duplicate.
soon 2 retire , I hope the above explains your question too.
pwl44m, I have or have access to thousands of board feet of Walnut. My old boss cuts it and sells it as a side to his wood working hobby.
soon 2 retire , You guessed it friend.
The cutter is 1/4" and the stylus is 5/16" so there is about .030" extra meat to finish off with file/rasp/ sandpaper.
