Don`t know if its spelled right but where can a poor feller get a bit of checkering done CHEAP. Not after purty just functional. I want to have the grip on my Martin Hunter checkered a bit for better traction.Thanks,RC
RC, can't tell you where to get cheap checkering except to buy a checkering file and do it yourself.. I bet there's plenty of youtube videos on how to checker...
On the other hand, I've used skateboard tape or anti-slip tread tape.. Kind of like 60 grit sandpaper with an adhesive back.. I just cut out a piece maybe 3/4" wide and 2-3" long and put where your lifeline contacts the grip.. Doesn't harm the finish and stays put too !!
Don't remember if it was on this site, but somewhere out there is a do it yourself stippling post. Looks a lot easier than checkering.
Not sure if this vid works
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxWkY9hyMhs
You can try searching for engraver's guilds or firearms/gunsmith guilds and see if a national membership org can put you onto someone locally.
It may be cheaper to buy checkering tools from Brownell's and give it a try.
I called a few gunsmith's near Baxley. They have no clue of how or who.
if wasnt worried about it looking the best in the world and just wanted the funtionallity that checkering brings, I think I could fix any grip up in about 30 minutes with a dremel and some real fine routing bit. I have tried the "cheap" checkering tools on a bow fishing bow and I got what I paid for, but I think the dremel with some penciled lines would work good.
RC I would think that maybe a gunsmith could help ya.
Not totally unrelated but I always wanted to try a textured finish around the grip of one of my bows. A few of the spearguns I've owned had them and they allowed for a great grip even when barehanded underwater (I usually wear gloves when freediving).
As for checkering... I love the job Jim@Centaur did on my Chimera... not sure what the exact cost was since I had the bow refinished at the same time but I think his prices is listed on his site.
How bout this?
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000104
RC, There is a tutorial in the How To forum here for Stippling a grip. Looks pretty easy, especially if you aren't concerned too much about looks. Just do a search for stippling on the How To Resources.
My post above is the stippling how to.
I have been wrapping a rubber tennis grip arround by grips for a few years, it's not pretty but it works well and their only 3 for $3. I also used leather "bow saddles" from 3Rivers on a couple of bows. I have all the tools to "stipple" grips..I just need to do one and see how I like it, I think it will look much better than the tennis grips. here's a pic of some of my old bows showing the tennis wraps, a bow saddle and the one on the right has the sure grip from black widow on it (http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt46/Robertfishes/SANY0198.jpg)
Take the Shur-grip off of Mojo and put on there...
Get some of the stuff that they put on stairs to improve traction. It's self stick and you can cut it to the size and shape you want. Then take it off if you want or replace to make it fit your needs. I have some if you want a piece.....just PM me your Address.
Lee Hoots does an awesome job on stippling.
Stippling is super easy if you have a dremel. Here's one I did.
(http://jdspics.webs.com/photos/undefined/2010TBRemake05.jpg)
(http://jdspics.webs.com/photos/undefined/2010TBRemake03.jpg)
Thanks a lot guys. John thats about what I`m after and yours looks purty good. Now I gotta figure out how to get the wife to buy me a dremmel tool....RC
Got an electric drill? ;)
RC,
Hard to believe that my "how to" post still comes up.
Let me know if I can help with regard to the stippling. My buddy and I use to do quite a few and learned a few tricks.
Tim
oh yeah......don't think I'd try an electric drill unless you've got the steady hands of a surgeon! :scared:
if you do decide to checker instead both Brownells and Midway sell checkering files. I don't work on long guns so the checkering I do is confined to metal but it's not too hard to do. Just use a piece of scrap wood to get a feel for the file and take your time.
RC, Tell her it's for her "crafts" hobby that you're buying it for her.
Maybe she'll let you borrow it to cut arrows, too. PM me and I'll take a pic of my simple cut-off jig for a dremel. And don't forget to explain the use of the flexible shaft option "she" needs. It'll work great to sharpen her garden cutt'n tools and keep the Stihl chain cutt'n good too. :readit:
I've stippled grips on quiet a few bows the past few years going by Tim's HOW TO.
Practice on a piece of scrap wood until you get the hang of it......most importantly.....trust yourself and your abilities. You'll be amazed what you're able to do with a little patience and faith in yourself.
rc, I know you got bigger fish to fry now, but what about a beaver tail grip? I just got that Mamba we talked about and i think I'm gonna get large James to put some beaver on it.
I just customized my first bow with skins, antler burrs and I stippled the grip as well. I had been finding it a bit "slippery" feeling. Not great, but it really helped me feel like the bow is locked in place. Certainly not a work of art, but I am happy with it.
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/IMG_03349.JPG)
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/IMG_03398.JPG)
I have a different take on most things archery. Checkering or stippling will never show up on my bows. The last thing in the world I would want for my handle is that it would grip my hand. No surer way to transmit torque to the bow than for your hand to be unable to move on the handle.
A smooth handle force you to balance the pull of the string in the crown of the back of the handle.
JMO
Jim