K38 Grip Wood Identification

[jareds06]

I have a K38 Target and purchased some used grips for it that fit the era it's from (1955-1957). Unfortunately the right hand grip panel has a piece missing from it. I was going to attempt a repair and wanted to make sure I get the correct wood so the grain is a closer match on the final product. Also it appears that the previous owner removed the shinier lacquer finish and just gave it a straight oil finish, unless some of these came with more of a matte appearance from the factory. In any case, I have added raw linseed oil over the top of it which might have something to do with the reddish appearance.

Also this may be the wrong forum, but any tips on the grip repair would be appreciated. My current plan is to file the chipped section flat, then accraglass/epoxy a small piece of walnut (assuming it's walnut) to the flat, then blend the repair into the rest of the grip. Probably would use a stain on the repair piece to better match the color of the existing grips, and then go over the whole thing with raw linseed oil. Thoughts? Thumbs up thumbs down? Never done a grip repair, but I have made a couple pairs of grips by hand for an autoloader.

(also just wanted to leave this nice picture as a thank you - full size image here if interested)

 

[PeteC]

Once you start working on a set of grips, whether it is a repair or a refinish, the main thing is that you are happy with the result. It's not possible to return them to original condition or finish anyway, so your opinion is what matters.

For reference, the set below is one I bought recently on ebay, and looks like it has the original laquer-type finish. I have posted it here before, and was told it is Goncalo Alves wood, which can vary in color a bit (ok, a LOT), from one set to another. If I am wrong, hopefully someone will correct me,

Color in pics taken in different light, and with a different background, can also vary. First pic was taken in indirect sunlight, the second two, flat daylight with no sun.


edit: looking more closely, your set seems to be an earlier one with the longer front lip. Mine is beveled there.

 

[Vtgw938]

Guys:

Yes both sets appear to be Goncalo Alves. Age and UV darkens the wood considerably.

As to repair, a piece of correctly grained goncalo running in the same direction would be best. I would do as you suggest, file the grip so it is easier to match a piece tightly and in line with the grain. Whatever piece you use you can fake the grain or blend the glue line with a black marker or color the whole piece with wood markers or such. You may not be able to hid the glue line so make it another dark streak in the goncalo. Whether using urethane or oil, I like to "fill" the glue line with urethane.

I prefer a hand rubbed Min-wax Tung Oil Finish on diamond grips. If you could be sure lacquer was original, than I would go with polyurethane.

 

[StrawHat]

If at all possible, plane down the broken area. Sanding will round and soften areas that are best left flat. Also, plane the repair piece for a good match.

Kevin

 

[jareds06]

Thanks for the advice VTGW. My plan to hide the glue line was going to be to dye the epoxy black or dark brown, so as you said it looks like another line of dark grain.

PeteC:Thanks for the pictures, along with the other post I am thinking it's GA not walnut. Also it will never be perfect and upon any scrutiny a repair will be obvious, but I just want to correct the outline/silhouette of the grips.

StrawHat: Perfectly aware of that so I'll be filing the repair area flat not sanding.

Thanks for the help everyone