R9 Custom Grip options

[ccoorreeyy]

John, any luck yet?  

[yankee2500]

   I am going tomorrow to pick up some more takedown tools, and will see were we are on the mag extension order, and see what progress has been made on the grips.  I wish I possessed the equipment and ability to make them, because having to rely on others sucks. It's very frustrating to me, being a small order customer, and having to wait for an opening to run the parts.
  I'll post my findings tomorrow, weather encouraging or disappointing.

John

[ccoorreeyy]

Thanks John.

[yankee2500]

We had to reschedule our meeting for today until next week, I picked up the tools but couldn't talk with the machinist today.
  I will post next week after I have spoken with him.

John

[ACP]

Wasn't the guy who originated the statement "patience is a virtue" a machinist?

[tracker]

That is one reason I am not a machinist or a mechanic.

[P7Enigma]

project managers are worse....

if its any consulation...we can now cut grips here from just about anything but glass....Prototyping / precision bed CNC router now up and running I have been away from the shop off and on for the past three weeks due to a multitude of reasons but my cohort says it does amazing things...

[ACP]

I reported to a lot of project managers and they varied, in my experience. They could make or break your day and, over time, they did just that.

[Richard S]

Might this gentleman represent that proverbial "one exception which proves the rule" with regard to project managers?  

http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/kelly1.htm

[K-Man]

For those wanting damascus steel for the grips, you might take a look at Alabama Damascus Steel.  He offers different patterns, thickness, and widths.  The average price for a piece that would be large enough is $160.  You should be able to get at least two sets out of a slab.  In addition, they'll make a custom size for you.  Their website is www.alabamadamascussteel.com.  Brad Vice is a great person to deal with.

With respect to the choice of wood - our testing, and ultimate success with making the grips, showed that all woods are not going to work.  There were other steps/processes we did in the making of the grips that ensured our success.

RichardS - if you're still looking for ivory, let me know.  I have a source who most likely has elephant ivory in large enough pieces to facilitate grips.  

[ACP]

Richard:

You the man! I supported Lockheed endeavors, in my aerospace career, and your guy's legacy is (rightfully) #1.

If "legend" is to have any meaning, Kelly Johnson is that man.

[Richard S]

Kevin:

PM sent.