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April 14, 2013
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Maybe LB could answer this one, since he is the grip making master! Im in the final stages of fitting/forming a wood grip blank for my Freedom Arms model 83. I received the blank from Freedom Arms in the rough, its a rosewood laminate. My question is what type and brand of clear finish would be recomended?
Thanks,
Greg
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Yes, LB is the definitive authority on this, if I had to guess it would be a satin (not gloss) poly finish
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
April 14, 2013
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Hey Steve, I would tend to agree with you, but wasnt sure if LB uses a Lacquer product? Poly would probably be more durable than lacquer I would imagine.
Thanks,
Greg
August 28, 2009
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Steve hit the nail right on the head.
I use MinWax satin "wipe-on" poly. This one here - it's MinWax product code 40910 >>
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Minwax-1-pt-Wipe-On-Poly-Clear-Satin-40910/100376149
8-10 coats, light sand with 600+ grit between coats if necessary to smooth out any bumps (even a spec of dust will show up). You'll need to find a way to hold the grip from inside while you wipe the finish on with a cloth. Make sure you use a cloth that won't shed any fibers. And...you'll need to find a way to hang it while it dries between coats. On a DW grip, I stick my finger in the hole (no pun intended here, haha!) to hold the grip while I wipe the finish on. I use a a bent coat hanger in the shape of a "L"and run it through the medallion holes to hang it for drying. I can get 2 coats on /day so it takes about 4-5 days to finish a grip. With the right prep. work...they often turn out A LOT better than the original factory finish. The grain is much more visible and the natural colors fo the wood stand out much more.
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November 17, 2008
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Sounds like you are on the right track. I use several types of finish but most often poly as it is durable and easy. Although some Rosewoods (if it is real rosewood) won't take poly and you will need to use lacquer. Since it is a laminate it probably is impregnated to the point you can use any finish. As for brands I have tried them all and Min-wax seems to work better than a lot of the fancy stuff. Like any finish/paint project the prep work is what tells the story. Good luck. And don't forget the pictures.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
April 14, 2013
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Thanks for all the help Guys. I happen to have the MinWax satin poly on hand from other woodworking projects. The first coat went on tonight. Will send pics of the finished grips when I get-er done.
Thanks,
Greg
January 20, 2014
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Looking forward to those pics.
RKP (Rich)
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January 24, 2009
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April 14, 2013
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Okay Gents, this was a fun winter project and I appreciate the advice from the forum members. The Freedom Arms model 83 was my 25th anniversary gift this past November, always wanted a .454 Casull. Found a lightly used one and pulled the trigger, but it was originally ordered with Pachmeyer grips. Called Freedom Arms and they wanted $250 to make a set of wood grips and would need the gun shipped to them, wholly cow I thought to myself. The nice lady on the phone said they have blank grips that they use and are rough cut about an quarter inch oversized and need drilled to receive the pin, then worked down to fit the frame for approximately $50. Well what did I have to loose. Turned out pretty good for an amateur.
April 14, 2013
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January 24, 2009
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Wow, those grips look fantastic!! Nice work, and thanks for showing them off!
January 20, 2014
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Absolutely outstanding!! 
RKP (Rich)
April 14, 2013
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Thanks Guys!
RKP - and I hope to take a deer with it next year in the Upper Peninsula for Michigan deer gun season.
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November 17, 2008
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. Trust me guys, getting a set of SA grips fitted correctly is harder than it looks. Great job Greg!
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
August 28, 2009
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lbruce said
LB
It looks hard also!!!! Fitting all the corners and the contour to the backstrap perfectly looks very hard!! Nice job!
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