Grip checkering...

[Paladin UK]

OK pards..........

I fancy checkering the main part of my 1860`s grips, Soooo a couple of ???s fer ya`ll

1. What are the best tools to use, are there Dremell bits?

2. Any pards already done this and can give me a few tips. How to mark up/lay out etc.

Paladin (What wants ta whittle some  ) UK

[Coffinmaker]

Hi PUK!!!

Glad to oblige.  A good checkering job is really quite easy.  Google your local stock makers, make an appointment, let him/her know what you want, then wait for a call when they are done
Or:  whip out your Brownells catalogue and start ordering your cutters.  Stop by the local hardware store and pick up an axe handle.  Start at one end, practice your way to the other end and you'll be ready to try it for real.  Some will tell you it isn't all that hard.  If you can tolerate mistakes, it isn't.  If you want it right ...........

Coffinmaker

PS:  Don't start with the fleur de lis 

[Slowhand Bob]

I asked a grip guy about prices this past weekend.  Seems that duplicating the plain style checkering that comes on Italian ER revolvers would run $75 pp.  Thats almost half the price of a full three piece grip assembly set with checkered wood.  Wonder what the quote would have been if he had been supplying the wood?  Might be a valuable trade to learn!   

[Major 2]

http://www.oldwestlasergraphic.com/

http://www.chuckaroos.com/guns.htm

Google laser gun grip checkering for more options & photos