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S&W-Smithing Maintenance, Repair, and Enhancement of Smith & Wesson and Other Firearms.


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Old 04-28-2020, 08:54 AM
fleabus101 fleabus101 is offline
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Default Grip Repairs

I'm wondering
Since I had my stroke a little while back my dexterity isnt the best these days. Normally in the past I did minor repairs and such but has to wait til I get better feeling back in my hands.
I recall that DWFan isnt doing grip repairs now.
I may need some help repairing some grips with damage with chip pieces missing or small pcs broke off or missing in the near future. Esp a hard to find type needing help.
Is anyone doing grip repairs these days that
repair missing pcs and matching finishes that
does good work on grips that you have exp with currently.?
Thanks for the info and thoughts.
Best J R...
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Old 04-28-2020, 10:05 AM
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Basic refinishing isn't that difficult just takes time. I've tried two different types of finish Tru-oil and Tung oil, to me Tru-oil is to glossy so I like Tung oil better. I don't get into major repairs were there are large cracks or gouges. When selecting stocks for refinish I try to avoid ones with badly worn checkering because I don't want to get into re-checkering. Removing the old finish can be done with acetone or stripper. Don't get to aggressive with sanding just enough to remove small imperfections. When applying the new finish I usually put 6 coats on the smooth surfaces and 2 on the checkering any more on the checkering will start to fill it in.
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Old 04-28-2020, 10:17 AM
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Here are a coupled of stocks I've refinished.
The walnut non-relieved just needed a basic refinish.
The smooth rose wood had a small piece missing in the heel that needed replacing I can tell you for a fact it's hard to match older red wood but they turned out OK.
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Old 04-28-2020, 05:06 PM
fleabus101 fleabus101 is offline
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Nice work Andy52
I used to do the hobbyist stuff on old military
mausers and such yrs ago. Mixing finishes and
refinishes. I've done the little repairs and finish
on grips until the stroke.
My wife bless her heart has taken my shop bldg and filled it with house stuff for storage
from moms passing.
Anyways cant piddle like I could right now so
cking on who does grip work on chips missing, slivers chipped out especially on grips I'm interested in aquiring.
Dont know if there's someone doing this type
work these days on the forum..
Thanks J R...

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Old 04-28-2020, 06:29 PM
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To my knowledge there isn't anyone doing major stock repairs on the forum since DWFAN had to give it up do to vision problems.
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Old 04-28-2020, 08:02 PM
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Looks great Andy52! Do you recommend applying the oil finish with a brush, rag or hand rubbed? I use Tung Oil also, but can't seem to get much luster out of it. I apply by hand. Maybe not doing enough coats as you are. Thanks for the info.
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Old 04-28-2020, 10:44 PM
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If I find no one doing grip work here I'll ck on the other forums I'm on. I know there's wood guys on them I'll ck with..
Best..
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Old 04-29-2020, 06:41 AM
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Looks great Andy52! Do you recommend applying the oil finish with a brush, rag or hand rubbed? I use Tung Oil also, but can't seem to get much luster out of it. I apply by hand. Maybe not doing enough coats as you are. Thanks for the info.
I use a large cleaning patch to apply the finish and smooth out the 2nd, 3rd and 4th coats with steel wool and leave the last coat as is.
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Old 05-01-2020, 09:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andy52 View Post
Basic refinishing isn't that difficult just takes time. I've tried two different types of finish Tru-oil and Tung oil, to me Tru-oil is to glossy so I like Tung oil better. I don't get into major repairs were there are large cracks or gouges. When selecting stocks for refinish I try to avoid ones with badly worn checkering because I don't want to get into re-checkering. Removing the old finish can be done with acetone or stripper. Don't get to aggressive with sanding just enough to remove small imperfections. When applying the new finish I usually put 6 coats on the smooth surfaces and 2 on the checkering any more on the checkering will start to fill it in.
Do you use any stain on the grips? I have some that are really ugly and I'd like to change the color a bit.

I was thinking a coat of stain or two and then tung oil. Will this work?

Thanks.
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Old 05-02-2020, 11:00 AM
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Andy, If you don't like the glossy finish of Tru-Oil, let the last coat dry a week, then polish with Mothers Mag polish. It cuts the gloss and leaves a nice soft glow. I finished these J Frame grips that way, I think 6 coats of tru-Oil applied by finger, and let dry a full day between coats. When I apply I rub out with the heel of my hand, (thin coats).


I don't attempt repair other than minor ding repair. I tried checkering once and I decided to let that for people that have that talent.
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Old 05-05-2020, 05:42 PM
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Do you use any stain on the grips? I have some that are really ugly and I'd like to change the color a bit.

I was thinking a coat of stain or two and then tung oil. Will this work?

Thanks.
Sorry I just got back to this thread. No I don't use any kind of stain when I refinish S&W stocks. The originals weren't stained so to keep them looking like they came from the factory I don't use it. Could you? yes and it wouldn't change the finishing process in any way other then waiting for the stain to dry.
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Old 05-06-2020, 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by andy52 View Post
Sorry I just got back to this thread. No I don't use any kind of stain when I refinish S&W stocks. The originals weren't stained so to keep them looking like they came from the factory I don't use it. Could you? yes and it wouldn't change the finishing process in any way other then waiting for the stain to dry.
Thanks, Andy.

I have a mis-matched set of targets that are of different colors. I am wanting to make both sides the same.
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Old 01-17-2021, 09:36 PM
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Was anybody able to find somebody the does grips. I was told by my buddy that DAFAN did a excellent job, but according to the thread is no longer doing them.
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Old 01-17-2021, 11:01 PM
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I would like to try re-checkering a couple of worn sets of grips, or at least re-run the current checkering. What tool and where do I purchase it?
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Old 01-23-2021, 11:48 AM
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Just throwing this out for public consumption. I'm a wooden boatbuilder by trade but for the past several years have been working for the largest importer of French, Belgian, and English antique furniture in the US. It's kinda funny because the entire business consists of only 6 people, me and another guy who do the restoration and repair, two guys who do packing and shipping and the two owners. I also build Arts and Crafts furniture. I have made some 1911 and N frame grips that I believe I've shown here. I also do leatherwork which I believe I've also posted.

Not saying I'm your guy but I'd be happy to take a look at any repairs some folks here may need. If I cant do it I'll be the first to tell you. I believe Twain said dumb people are full of self confidence, smart people are full of self doubt. I'm rarely overconfident and never with someone else's property.
I also happen to have access to any exotic wood you and everyone else combined here could ever imagine, the place is about a 30 minute drive from me, including Goncalo alves. I've actually been thinking about getting a nice little stock of really choice pieces and making some sets of stocks for a few of my own guns.

Anyway, I'd be happy to look at your stocks and see if I can help.
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