Is anyone using their carvewright to carve pistol grips?
I was curious if there are any patterns available for purchase?
Maybe someone has some hints, tips or tricks to share.
I have been requested by a local gun shop to make model 1911 grips from burl and figured woods. I could make them by hand but figured the machine would be a much more cost effective way to go.
This photo shows the grips I will be attempting to duplicate and an example piece ot the wood that will be used. The grips will have a domed outer surface and the underside or backs will require some cutting of grooves and hollowed areas. The wood I will be using will be slightly larger than the actual finished grips.
I have the carvewright with the scanning probe. I am just unpacking and getting everything set up so bear in mind you are talking to someone with 0 experience using the machine so far. Up until now my time has been spent reading the manual and viewing the video and tutorials on the website.
Any help, direction or advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Mark
Just practice on scrap wood till you get the pattern tweaked. I would hate to see you turn a piece of exotic wood into scrap The reason I have never attempted to post a pattern is because most all the time the slabs need to be hand fitted to the handgun.
Thank You both for your response.
I read the thread you mentioned and downloaded a pattern in one of the threads I found with both grips. I must have done something wrong because when I carved them it came out at about 80% the size they should have been. I think I need to spend more time in T&T before I go much further.
I'll watch for other posts and when I finally get everything figured out I will post some photos.
Thanks, Mark
I went to the threads that related to pistol grips. There I found a download labeled (GunGrips1ptn.)
When I loaded the pattern on my machine and carved them they were not the correct size.
My guess is that I did something wrong when the machine gave it's prompts. The board I used was plenty large to allow for extra 4" each end.
Last edited by Burl Source; 12-21-2010 at 10:22 PM.
Reason: spelling and photo added
I went to the threads that related to pistol grips. There I found a download labeled (GunGrips1ptn.)
When I loaded the pattern on my machine and carved them they were not the correct size.
My guess is that I did something wrong when the machine gave it's prompts. The board I used was plenty large to allow for extra 4" each end.
You can adjust the size, use the grid function.
Using Designer Version 1.187 Donations are always welcomed, thanks – send a check to my PO Box 652
The pattern shown in your thumbnail is different than the one I downloaded.
I am assuming that is your personal pattern for grips.
Do you make pistol grips?
If yes.....Would you be willing to share your pattern and a bit of guidance in exchange for some cool wood to use on a set of grips?
The pattern shown in your thumbnail is different than the one I downloaded.
I am assuming that is your personal pattern for grips.
Do you make pistol grips?
If yes.....Would you be willing to share your pattern and a bit of guidance in exchange for some cool wood to use on a set of grips?
I downloaded the PTN's from this Forum, here is a copy. If you have the CW scaner you can make copies of your grips and make your own patterns (PTN's). It comes with a code to open the Pattern Editor in the CW program.
Last edited by bjbethke; 12-22-2010 at 12:00 AM.
Using Designer Version 1.187 Donations are always welcomed, thanks – send a check to my PO Box 652
I went to the threads that related to pistol grips. There I found a download labeled (GunGrips1ptn.)
When I loaded the pattern on my machine and carved them they were not the correct size.
My guess is that I did something wrong when the machine gave it's prompts. The board I used was plenty large to allow for extra 4" each end.
Hello Mark,
In case it was user error at the machine prompts, the following Tips & Tricks may help. Hopefully, they will shed light on what happened and how to avoid the problem in the future...