Checkering

[Swampdog]

Does anybody here do their own checkering?I was thinking I might like to give it a try.Here is the plan .While looking for some new grips for my Kimber Custom II I saw a site where this guy who makes his own grips also shows the basics for making them .It doesn't look extremly difficult.The smooth probally would pretty simple,But if I could do them I would like to try some with checkering.One thing that kinda discourages me was some comments made like "For whom the gods do not destroy ,they try to get them to checker or re-checker".....LOL.AnywayI think I am going to give it a try.Thing is I really don't want to invest a lot of money in tools that will probally drive me batty.[]Anybody got a set of hand checkering tools they want to sell?I know this is not the right place to ask but I am going to post a want add in the classifieds also.Anybody have any insight into the fine art of checkering? BTW I found some sites that haveexotic wood scales pretty reasonable so the wood would not be that expensive...........Thanks Alton

[Pawildman]

Checkering is tedious work. It's not something you pick up and do a good job of overnight. Symmetry in layout is important. Dimensions are important.Good sharp tools are important. If you are really serious about trying this, I would highly recommend you get a used stock and do some experimenting on before you wade in on one of your guns. It definitely requires getting a "feel" for the work. A checkering cradle helps greatly too, along with a good book describing the process. It also helps to have good eyesight and magnifying glasses or a magnifying head piece, and a well-lit work area...

[Swampdog]

Thanks Pa, LOL. I know how this is going to be.I hope I have better sense to butcher some of my stuff.I have researched this somewhat.I ordered the Monty Kennedy book on checkering.I think it is supposed to be about the best one. It also is supposed to have patterns in it.Like I said I mainly am thinking about making my own 1911 grips to start with.Looks to be a fairly good place to start.(small projects)If I can make some that look decent enough then I might try to checker some .The lay out would notor should I say should not be as difficult as the turns and differences from side to side on a rifle stock.Talking about the sharpness of the tools ,Should I go ahead and spring for a new set of tools or try to find some used,arethe cutters replaceable on the hand tools?I think I can get the tools I need for arounda hundred bucks.As far as the eyesight...........Might have to put jewlers lupes on both eyes.I just thought this would be something I might could fool around doing with my son.Which at his age he probally wouldn't last long.Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[Pawildman]

Used checkering sets are sometimes available at gunshows and you may want to check online for them. Generally speaking, replacement heads are available for a lot of the outfits. Midway has a good selection in their master catalog. Have patience and proceed slowly is the advice I'll give you. If you try to rush it, you will most certainly make a slip which can be difficult to straighten up, if not downright impossible.....Go ahead and have at it and good luck......

PS.. I might add that some of the best checkerers are women who seem to have a knack for this type of thing......Got wife?..........

[Sniper151]

I would suggest trying to find a craftsman who does hand checkering and see if he will teach you a bit of the trade. I purchased a CD, but it's not as easy to acquire the skills needed to do flawless work without tips from a pro. Quality vises and tools are a necessity, but only a pro can give you the basics and a few tricks of the trade to get started. I've been hacking at it for some time now and I still don't have the confidence to work on a fine piece of wood. This craft takes patience andyears of practice, even on a basic patterns.