Checkering, texturing G-10 at home.

[rookie4real]

Not sure if this is a right section to post this but here we go.
I have Hogue G-10 grips on my handgun that have a smooth finish that is not ideal for a sure grip for a stressful situation.
I was wondering if it was possible to add some texture to them using something as a dremel. I was thinking may be just do some kind of a dot-cone cavity pattern, by just drilling with a tiny unibit into the surface.
What do you think? Has anyone done anything similar to the g-10 on their knives or guns? Pictures would be appreciated.

P.S. I know there are companies that specialize in checkering but their price is way out my budget and well above the cost of the grips.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I wasn't aware that Hogue made G 10 grips. Can you post picture?

 

[rookie4real]

I wasn't aware that Hogue made G 10 grips. Can you post picture?

They started not so long ago, they make several finishes but I was only able to find smooth because everything else was on backorder.

If I remeber right, I saw the pictures of different checkering they make on the Sig forums.

 

[doctorsuds]

If you have a steady hand and patience, buying and then of course using a checkering file would do the trick. Should you choose to travel this route, do yourself a favor and use some manner of file guide. Nothing worse than making a bad pass and carving through the grooves you already made.

I wouldn't recommend using a dremel personally, but then again, I'm opposed to letting a dremel near my knives/guns/objects.

 

[unit]

Depending on the cost of the project you might want to practice on some in-expensive raw G-10 sheets. They can be ordered fairly cheap.

A trick I have used on small jobs is to secure everything and stack up a bunch of new cutting discs on a Dremel tool. Separate each disc with a washer. Doing something as big as a pistol grip is going to take some seriously steady hands or it will look like poo.

A random drilling pattern may be easier to pull off. Get a marker and draw it out first and see if you can live with the pattern.

Dremel also makes a new tool that is essentially a mini router, that could do some neat stuff I bet...but by the time you buy all these tools and tear up a few practice pieces (and potentially botch a set of grips)...you might be best served sending them to a pro? Just a thought. I love DIY stuff for the satisfaction it gives...but unless I can afford (money and mentally) to replace whatever I am working on...

 

[Bill DeShivs]

You can easily stipple them with an electric engraving pencil.
G 10 dust is really bad stuff to breathe, BTW.

 

[rookie4real]

Thanks all. I will try it on my bark river knife handles first, hope i don't screw it up too badly.
I'm gonna wear safety glasses and dust mask.

 

[BladeChemist]

Well, not to ask you to spend any more money, but If you have one of the newer Dremels you can purchase the Dremel Drill Press attachment. Mark out a pattern for drilling the new dimples, secure the grips, and drill out areas of similar relative height. Then move onto the other areas, etc. Would look and feel a bit more professional with just a bit more time and money invested.

Good luck! Please post up the results.

 

[Folderguy]

Here are a few I've done using a Dremel.

This is not G-10, but is buffalo horn, made from scale blanks, using the Dremel, some files and sandpaper, for most of the work.

The Boker knife was completely worked over and changed a lot, besides the scales. Wanted to make it look like it had been to hell and back.

This is not G-10 but celluloid; I made these scales almost entirely using the Dremel.

Practice first on other materials, not necessarily G-10, but any solid plastic will do. Or go at it on a piece of wood. The skills you wish to develop do not require G-10 to develop them.

It's also a good idea to have an extra pair of grips in case things don't turn out as you like. Good luck!