Winter project.

[MDMarauder]

Today I started a new winter project.. I'm a machinist by trad, I love a challenge and I love to work with my hands. Back to the project.... I got some free wood that looks very nice, not sure what kind it is? I'm attempting to make some smooth Square Butt Magnas. Here are a few photos.

 

[Warren Sear]

That looks like flamed maple to me. Nice looking wood.

Making grips is a LOT more work than it would seem!

 

[MDMarauder]

Making grips is a LOT more work than it would seem!

I'm having fun though, life is to short not to try new things. You need to step out and smell the fresh air! I'm making saw dust leave me alone.

 

[bigmoose]

Yup, that is "curly" or "tiger" maple. The striations are caused by the grain undulating to and from the surface, exposing end grain. Carving it can be a little tricky...be sure to take care as "chip out" can occur fairly easily. Research how to make the grain pop (easy procedure), it is well worth the effort to take the extra steps with this kind of wood, the results are beautiful. Good luck, looking forward to the progress and finished pictures.

 

[MDMarauder]

I just finished up in the workshop, I have some progress in shaping. I still need to take them down some more, some voids have appeared. But the wood is much thicker then the factory stocks so I have room to take them down.

 

[Cpt. Obvious]

that's really cool! I've got a few home-made grip projects waiting for me when I don't have money anymore (wifey and I are buying a house).

 

[snubbyfan]

That is some nice lookin' wood. Looking forward to updates.

 

[jmace57]

Yes - please keep showing us the progress. I am super un-handy, so I really appreciate people who are.