Installing medallions

[NFK]

Can anyone suggest a tool or a method to drill and countersink a hole to set S&W medallions in wood grips?
TIA

 

[Gunhacker]

Use a brad point woodworking drill bit, it cuts a flat bottom hole and the outer edges of the bit extend down to cut the outer edge of the hole before the center of drill starts to cut. It makes for a very clean hole and minimizes "tear out" on the hole edges.

Also before drilling, place a piece of masking tape on the area, this will also help to prevent any ragged edges from grain tear out/splintering.

I like to first drill a pilot hole using a 1/16" drill bit from the backside of the grip panel. Many of the aftermarket grips has a hole in the middle of the "ear" that fits in the frame cut out, that's where the stud on the medallion should be. If there is no hole, the try to mark the center of it and drill. If you have the metal "washer" that S&W uses to retain the medallion, so much the better and use it to mark the location of where the pilot hole needs to be drilled.

Then from the front side drill the counter sunk hole, the pilot hole will keep the bit from wandering and also positions the hole in the correct location on the grip.

To know how far to counter sink the hole place the medallion next to the drill bit tip with the bottom of the medallion even with the flat on the bit, wrap a piece of making tape on the bit just a hair above the medallion surface and that's the depth of the hole needed.

One you have the counter sunk hole drilled, then you can enlarge the pilot hole to fit the medallion stud.

Don't rush things and work with deliberation.

 

[ol timer]

What size bit do you use. If you measure the medallion, do you use the exact size, slightly smaller or slightly larger?

Thanks,
ot

 

[Alk8944]

What size bit do you use. If you measure the medallion, do you use the exact size, slightly smaller or slightly larger?

Thanks,
ot

It is called a "Forstner bit", and a 10mm is the right size. You can get these from the better woodworking suppliers. Depending on source and manufacturer it should run from $12-35 for one.

 

[bluegrassstate]

In my experience, when using a 10mm forstner drill bit, the hole must be reamed out for the S&W factory original medallions to fit perfectly...I find a brad point drill bit in 13/32" to be the exact size..Forstner drill bits are not available in 13/32", as least I've been unable to find one...good luck on your quest...from the bluegrassstate..

 

[Hammerdown]

What size bit do you use. If you measure the medallion, do you use the exact size, slightly smaller or slightly larger?

Thanks,
ot

Hello oltimer
Grips from Post-War Era time frame to The Early 1990's seem to need a 13/32" Hole to install Factory S&W Emblems. This hole will leave a slight press fit when installing them. I have found a Forstner Bit in 13/32" at Harbor Freight but being that they are a cheaper quality, the sharpness of it will fade fast, and it does not cur Precise. A Better choice for sinking emblems is using an End Mill Bit that is 13/32" I found mine at a Flea-Market where a guy was selling a lot of them in different sizes at cheap prices. I paid $3.00 for mine. If you use a End Mill Bit, they have no Pilot hole but they cut fast and clean. I set the grips in my Drill press vise but prior to it, wrap the edges that will be in the vice with a couple of wraps of Duct tape to protect the wood. You do not have to Crank down hard on the vise as the end Mill Bit is Razor sharp and a small amount of pressure is all that is needed and the use of the vise will keep them from rotating, or being not level. Be sure your grips are level before drilling them, or the emblem will be Off set. Once the hole has been drilled, You can either cut off and file the rear stud on the emblem, or drill on through them with a drill the same diameter as the emblem studs. I like to cut off the studs and file them flat myself. If you file the studs just drill the hole deep enough to sink the emblems enough to be slightly below the grips surface to avoid wear. I then apply a small amount of super glue in the hole and tap the emblem in with a Duct Tape covered drift and you are done. Below is a link to Grainger Supply, along with a description of what they Offer in 13/32" Bits that show's these End Mill Bits and some other Pilot drills. You will see the Pilot drills are much cheaper but they do not last as long Nor cut as precise and clean as the End Mill Bits. I hope this helps, Hammerdown



Sealing Washer, Double End Mill, Limit Switch, Shop Top Workbench Top







Item # Description Brand
Mfr. Model # Price

4LE90
CLEVELAND TWIST DRILL C52160 End Mill, Cobalt, 13/32, 2 FL, dbl Sq End, CC - HDC-2 - 4 1/8 In.
End Mill, Standard, General Purpose, Number of Flutes 2, Double End, Square End Style, Center Cutting Type, Right Hand Cut, Cobalt Steel, Bright Finish, Dia 13/32 In, Shank Dia 1/2 In, Length of Cut 13/16 In, Overall Length 4 1/8 In, Rhc 30 Deg, Rhh 30 Deg, For Plunge Cutting, Peripheral Milling and Deep Slotting and Pocketing at Higher Feed and Speeds
>More Details...

Machining, Cutting Tools, End Mills, End Mill, Cobalt, 13/32, 2 FL, dbl Sq End, CC CLEVELAND TWIST DRILL
C52160 $39.40
Qty.


1MCN6
DEWALT DW1926 Pilot Point Drill Bit, HSS, 13/32 In
Pilot Point Drill Bit, Jobbers Length, Maintenance Grade, HSS, Gold Ferrous Oxide Finish, Fractional Size 13/32 In., Decimal Equivalent 0.4062 In., Split Point 135 Deg., Flute Length 3 7/8 In., Overall Length 5 1/4 In., Shank Type 3 Flats, For General Purpose Drilling In Steel, Wood And Plastic
>More Details...

Power Tools, Drilling Accessories, Pilot Point Drill Bits, Pilot Point Drill Bit, HSS, 13/32 In DEWALT
DW1926 $9.25
Qty.


4YK65
Pilot Point DW1926B Pilot Point Drill, 13/32, HSS, Gold Oxide
Pilot Point Drill Bit, Size 13/32 In, Decimal Equivalent 0.4062 In, Drilling Depth 3.38 In, Overall Length 5.38 In, High Speed Steel, Gold Ferrous Oxide Finish, Features Backtaper Design With Acute Cutting Edges and Enlarged Flute Chamber To Eliminate Walking, Minimize Friction and Maximize Chip Removal
>More Details...

Power Tools, Drilling Accessories, Pilot Point Drill Bits, Pilot Point Drill, 13/32, HSS, Gold Oxide DEWALT
DW1926B $1.75
Qty.

 

[ol timer]

Thank you everybody for your thoughtful replies. I stumbled back on this thread without realizing I had unanswered thanks to give. Since I didn't start the thread I hadn't searched it and it went unnoticed.

Looking at the dates and the amount of information, wisdom and effort put into the replies I feel like a ******* for not getting back sooner. So allow me to apologize for that. I am sorry.

Thanks again and stay safe,
ol timer