Keeping myself busy during the shutdown, grips and leather

**Xringshooter** · April 18th, 2020, 06:15 PM

I finished out 2 80% lowers, just have to abrasive blast them to get them ready for Cerakoting (don't know what color(s) I'm going to do yet, or even what I'm going to build.

**Lucas** · April 21st, 2020, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Qtrborecrazy

Thanks for the reply. Question, have you ever used black powder coated screws of the grips?

I haven't yet, been sticking to factory style hardware

Originally Posted by Emptymag

This is as creative as I've gotten.

Last night I finally remembered to fix a small problem with how my sling attaches on my AK.
I have the HK hooks that clip onto the metal sling mounts, but the mounting points are designed to loop sling material through, and the slots are too narrow - the hooks get bound up in janky positions instead of moving freely.

There are really nice "wire loop" attachments that are popular, but they cost $12+ each.
Paracord is cheap and it will do the same thing.

Mine.

I made "loops" and fed them through the sling mount, then through themselves, so that they can be removed easily - they aren't tied directly to the mounting points.

There you go! Fill a need with a little work, and save yourself some money. I wouldn't be able to afford a lot of the stuff I have if I couldn't make it myself.

Originally Posted by Xringshooter

I finished out 2 80% lowers, just have to abrasive blast them to get them ready for Cerakoting (don't know what color(s) I'm going to do yet, or even what I'm going to build.

An 80% lower is still on my list of things to do, along with a couple of the polymer 80s. I'd actually like to do a complete build out of a billet of aluminum. Have to wait till after this shutdown to check on availability of a chunk big enough from my suppliers.

**Emptymag** · May 8th, 2020, 11:43 AM

Oooh!!! I thought of something I can do!

I need to find the metal ferule that goes on the wood hand guard and the push button release that goes in the top cover on that AK pictured above!
I do have both parts around here somewhere. I just need to find them.

Plus, I've been eyeing up some rifles looking for a willing volunteer for my first camo paint job.

**Xringshooter** · May 8th, 2020, 04:40 PM

Here's what I ended up doing during the Dictators "Ist Verboten to _______________ (fill in the blank as you see fit)" Built these:

Top to bottom:
.300 Blackout w/ KAW Valley compensator Color is Jesse James Cold War Blue Cerakote
5.56 14.5" pencil barrel w/ pinned and welded 1.5" flash hider Color is Copper Brown
Ruger 10/22 using a Brownells 10/22 receiver w/ laser on forearm Kryptek gray stock
Ruger 10/22 using Brownells 10/22 receiver Stainless barrel HiViz FO sights

**Tin Soldier** · May 10th, 2020, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by Lucas

Haven't really posted here in years. Suddenly found myself with more time on my hands.
Here's how I've been keeping busy, and a couple projects I had previously done.

A holster for a New Vaquero birdshead

Curly maple grips for same

Decided to inlay some sterling silver wire into them during the making

Some other work I've done since I last posted:
M&P fullsize holster while it was drying after wet forming

A few handmade knives, pattern welded blades were 1084 & 15N20 steels, random pattern. Other knife is 1084 carbon steel. All have maple wood and either black micarta or brass bolsters

Thanks for looking.
Stay healthy and keep your hands and mind occupied!

Excellent work. I enjoy woodworking and constructing leather knife sheaths. You my friend put me to shame. I guess I like to consider myself a rough carpenter and leather riveter! Very nice work. Have you made any 1911 grips?

**Tin Soldier** · May 10th, 2020, 08:04 PM

Made some leather sheaths for my WW2 theater knife collection. 4 on the right were completed over the last month. The 2 on the left are originals from the 40s. When I make these I try to antique them in the end. Lots of oils and leather aging.

Attachment 132303

**Tin Soldier** · May 10th, 2020, 08:09 PM

My favorite knife that I found over the years has this etched on the blade.

**Lucas** · May 10th, 2020, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Tin Soldier

Excellent work. I enjoy woodworking and constructing leather knife sheaths. You my friend put me to shame. I guess I like to consider myself a rough carpenter and leather riveter! Very nice work. Have you made any 1911 grips?

My first boss held me to high standards, taught me welding and machining. Second boss was close friends with first boss, had equally high standards. Second boss taught me how to do leather work, make knives, and forge damascus. Been lucky to have good teachers both in work and hobbies.
I made a pair out of birdseye maple a few years ago. Can't find the pictures now. Might have to add another set to the list of things to do.