Amateur Bisley Grips

[Mark Terry]

These and the grip frame are waiting on the return of a SBH for fitting...

[chutch]

That is awesome! I will some day have a brass bisley gripframe . You listening out there Kings6

[bisleyfan41]

You did a fine job there Mark Terry.
Can't wait to see it altogether.

[Charger Fan]

Looks great! What type of finish did you use?

[Mark Terry]

These were done with Minwax Tung Oil. I usually use Tru-Oil but decided to try Tung oil on these. I don't know what to expect on durability and quite frankly, I'm a little disappointed with the finish. The directions say to apply, wait 5-10 minutes and buff off. I had to apply a slightly heavier coat and let it dry to get much gloss (even after about 6 coats buffed off per the instructions).

[Charger Fan]

That's definitely the direction I'm going on my next grip attempt. I really screwed up on my last set, by using some sort of varnish that looked good in the hardware store.

[Cucuy]

Sept 30, 2009 16:55:26 GMT -5 Mark Terry said:

These were done with Minwax Tung Oil. I usually use Tru-Oil but decided to try Tung oil on these. I don't know what to expect on durability...

I've used tung oil on various wooden weapons. At the points where sweaty mitts meet wood, the finish gets sticky rather quickly and then friction removes it. I don't know if you would experience this, but it's something to think about.

[caryc]

Sept 30, 2009 16:55:26 GMT -5 Mark Terry said:

I had to apply a slightly heavier coat and let it dry to get much gloss (even after about 6 coats buffed off per the instructions).

Applying heavy coats is where most people make their mistakes. They key is thin coats. Applying heavy coats is simply rushing the job.

I use Tru Oil finish on my grips and while I won't reveal my finishing process since I make my living selling grips, I can give you this as an example.

I read about this method once. Take Tru Oil and thin it by 50% with mineral spirits. Spread on a thin coat with your finger then with a lint free cloth, wipe it off. You may think you have wiped off all the finish but you haven't. A sufficient amount remains on the wood. The trick with doing it this way is enough coats to build it up to the degree of gloss that you want. This produces a blemish free smooth as glass finish. I actually tried this myself and it works.

The only problem is that most people don't want to take the time to do it. I'm talking like 20-30 coats.

I had to develop my own process that does not take as long, but this illustrates the point that "thin coats" is the secret to success.

[Mark Terry]

Cary

Thanks for the feedback and information. I realize you make your living making grips and nothing I'll ever do will come close to those you offer. In making the grips I've made, I recognize the skill and real craftsmanship it takes to do what you do. Heck, I was looking at a set of one piece single action grips last night and couldn't fathom how one would make those without some sophisticated machinery.

I've re-finished a few gunstocks with so-so results but this was my first time with grips. Grips, with much less suface area tend to make flaws and imperfections obvious. The other thing I wouldn't have guessed was how extraordinarily smooth the surface must be to start the finishing process. Shaping the grips is a very personal process and since they're mine, I just work them until I like the way they feel on the gun and I'm surprised how different they are compared to stock or other grips.

As far as I have been able to determine, Tru Oil offers a very durable finish and I think is better than Tung Oil. I've read a little about Linseed Oil but never tried it. I'll stick with Tru Oil and try the method you've suggested above.

The whole process is fascinating and really adds to my appreciation of your work.

Thanks,