How is metal checkering cut?

B

bingo

Guest
I know this is not BR question but a lot of good machinist smiths hang here, so how is the fine line crosshatch cut on the tops of S&W revolvers
and 45 auto backstraps & such with those difficult curved surfaces?
 
got it... checkering files, but are there any machines that will do a similar cut?

Added: Got it, now I have seen how some guys do it using machines.... still feel free to share your thoughts on the subject.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The stuff you see on commercial guns is likely rolled on with something similar to a knurling tool.

Custom work is laid out with a checkering file, then finished with triangular files.



Not checkering in the below photo but knurled in the lathe. I generally do this when putting on a new bolt knob.

ry%3D400
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks woodhunter, I have some S&W pistols that are finely checkered on the top straps, and the precision of the checkering on those tight curved surfaces must have required some small specialty files.
 
The fine looking high quality checkering that you see on modern pistols is less frequently done entirely by hand these days. Plenty of small shop guys still do it, but the cost of labor is pricing it out. Most of the big names in custom or semi custom handguns use either manual milling machines and ingeniusly designed fixtures; or 4 or 5 axis CNC machining centers to pre cut the checkering, leaving it a little shallow and finishing it by hand. The best looking checkering is still finished by hand. Hobby builders can order 1911 frames already checkered and save a bunch of labor . These still need hand finishing to look the best.
 
Last edited:
SGS has good comments. CNC has created another world in gun making.

I just wish I was not too old & dumb to learn Solid Works. And have a bunch of bucks to buy a Haas machining center!
 
Plan out and layout your "diamond grid" pattern. Do both directions 1/3 depth in both directions. Then do both layers to 2/3 depth. Then finish of in both directions to final depth. If you take one direction to depth you are going to get that wood grain effect even using shallow passes in the second direction.


asset tags
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top