View Full Version : My first attempt at "Stippling" (Pics)
FatMatt
08-25-2012, 09:39 PM
I have been considering stippling the front strap on my MK40. I have never attempted to do this before. So before I jumped right in and destroyed a perfectly fine firearm, I decided to practice a little on some carriage bolts left over from installing my garage door. I used two different punches and a light weight hammer, tightened the bolt down in a vise and just started tapping with my hand resting on the vice and the punch elevated about 1/8" off the surface. It took me about 5-6 minutes to complete the bolt (Same diameter as a U.S. quarter). I'm feeling pretty confident now that it will turn out successful. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/Bolts2.jpg
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/Bolts1.jpg
Bawanna
08-25-2012, 10:08 PM
I think your off to a good start. I've never stippled metal but I'm told it's fairly forgiving in that you can stipple more or just more aggressively to achieve the texture or feel that you want.
I did the tupperware on my PM45 with the wood burner routine and it was the same kind of deal, if it's too course, just stipple more and lighten it up some.
I sweated and worried and balked a few times before tackling it but it went well and it was easy. Metal has to be a little more serious yet but I think you'll do a fine job based on that carriage bolt.
We'll sit on the sidelines and cheer and anxiously await the after pictures.
TucsonMTB
08-25-2012, 10:57 PM
The tough part seems to be the edges. Coloring within the lines with a hammer and punch appears to be a real challenge, even for the pros.
Best of luck. Like Bawanna said, we will all be interested and maybe a little glad it is not our gun under the knife (punch). ;)
PattayaPistol
08-25-2012, 10:58 PM
We'll sit on the sidelines and cheer and anxiously await the after pictures.
Personally, looking at what you did with the bolt, I like the effect. I say go for it.
Cheers
PP
FatMatt
08-25-2012, 11:07 PM
The tough part seems to be the edges. Coloring within the lines with a hammer and punch appears to be a real challenge, even for the pros.
Best of luck. Like Bawanna said, we will all be interested and maybe a little glad it is not our gun under the knife (punch). ;)
I think I'm going to use multiple layers of masking tape for insurance.
TucsonMTB
08-25-2012, 11:12 PM
I think I'm going to use multiple layers of masking tape for insurance.
That might work but, if you have a sacrificial steel tape measure and could tape a couple layers in place, maybe with tape between them as well, you might have a more effective barrier to the errant strike. Not enough to get cocky, but enough to make the out of bounds hits mildly damaging, rather than glaringly obvious. :eek:
FatMatt
08-25-2012, 11:15 PM
That might work but, if you have a sacrificial steel tape measure and could tape a couple layers in place, maybe with tape between them as well, you might have a more effective barrier to the errant strike. Not enough to get cocky, but enough to make the out of bounds hits mildly damaging, rather than glaringly obvious. :eek:
That's a good idea, I think that will be the way to go. Now to decide which one of my tape measures gets the Axe.
Bawanna
08-25-2012, 11:19 PM
Actually with stippling a perfect clean edge isn't mandatory like checkering.
I would strive for a straight edge and clean but an errant poke isn't critical.
jocko
08-26-2012, 07:34 AM
hell go forit,stipplying has no patternsour good to go. I lovemy stippled PM9 and more than l;ikely 8 out of 10 wold say otherwise but it is the way I WANTED IT, so I did not do it to enhance the price, for it certainly doesn't .
Redstate
08-26-2012, 10:17 AM
Very smart idea, FatMatt. If you proceed to do your Kahr, be mindful that the stainless steel may be of different hardness than the bolt. By the way, it looks really neat.
FatMatt
08-26-2012, 01:28 PM
I'm done!(For now) It took me about 1 Hour to complete. I'm very happy with it. It adds just enough texture for a more secure grip and I think it looks aesthetically pleasing as well.
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/Stippling8.jpg
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/Stippling7.jpg
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/Stippling6.jpg
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/Stippling5.jpg
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/Stippling4.jpg
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/Stippling3.jpg
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/Stippling2.jpg
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/Stippling1.jpg
Cokeman
08-26-2012, 02:38 PM
Nice. I was worried for you.
gb6491
08-26-2012, 02:53 PM
FatMatt,
WELL DONE!!!! That looks great.
Could you please some photos of the tools used (in particular the tips)?
Do you work from an angle with the punches, straight on, or a combo of both? I wish somebody would make a video of the process. Does anyone know of a video showing it?
Again, well done and thanks for sharing the photos:)
Regards,
Greg
FatMatt
08-26-2012, 03:44 PM
FatMatt,
WELL DONE!!!! That looks great.
Could you please some photos of the tools used (in particular the tips)?
Do you work from an angle with the punches, straight on, or a combo of both? I wish somebody would make a video of the process. Does anyone know of a video showing it?
Again, well done and thanks for sharing the photos:)
Regards,
Greg
There is no videos of a step by step process. I would like to make one, but I have to find someone to hold the camera first ( Or convince my wife to do it). But I can explain how I did this, First I used a light hammer , Two 1/8" Carbide punches (Hand sharpened with metal files) , You don't want to use a grinding wheel because the tip of the punch will heat up and lose its temper, It will basically break right off. I tightened down the frame in a vice wrapped in denim, rested the heel of my punch hand on the vice and elevated the punch about 1/8" off the area I was working on. Then I would strike the punch down about 15 degrees off tilt from vertical. The most important thing is to stay consistent. The hardest part is the first punch, its all easy from there.
I guess you could use special types of punches with different tips , I just sharpened to a needle point and went on from there.
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/StipplingTools2.jpg
http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg567/mattsykeny1/StipplingTools1.jpg
gb6491
08-26-2012, 03:59 PM
There is no videos of a step by step process. I would like to make one, but I have to find someone to hold the camera first ( Or convince my wife to do it). But I can explain how I did this, First I used a light hammer , Two 1/8" Carbide punches (Hand sharpened with metal files) , You don't want to use a grinding wheel because the tip of the punch will heat up and lose its temper, It will basically break right off. I tightened down the frame in a vice wrapped in denim, rested the heel of my punch hand on the vice and elevated the punch about 1/8" off the area I was working on. Then I would strike the punch down about 15 degrees off tilt from vertical. The most important thing is to stay consistent. The hardest part is the first punch, its all easy from there.
I guess you could use special types of punches with different tips , I just sharpened to a needle point and went on from there.
FatMatt,
Thanks for taking the time to put that together. I very much appreciate it.
Regards,
Greg
Bawanna
08-26-2012, 07:51 PM
Bravo! I think it looks very good. Wish I could feel it. I know that you can tweak if you feel the need. I've seen different shapes of punches and applied at angles can make it more aggressive or less aggressive.
It's a scary thing taking on a cherished firearm with a hammer and a punch or a wood burner etc but you done really good.
Today your MK40, tomorrow the world.
FatMatt
08-26-2012, 08:19 PM
Bravo! I think it looks very good. Wish I could feel it. I know that you can tweak if you feel the need.
I can best describe it as it feels similar to 120 grit sandpaper.
PattayaPistol
08-26-2012, 08:27 PM
Looks great. There is no way that looks like a "first attempt at stippling".
:cheer2:
Well done.
Cheers
PP
Bawanna
08-26-2012, 09:25 PM
I can best describe it as it feels similar to 120 grit sandpaper.
That should be perfect for a front strap.
Redstate
08-27-2012, 07:32 PM
Excellent.
Speedy
10-11-2012, 09:49 AM
Beautiful!
Just out of curiousity, has anybody serrated the front grip on a MK or K series? Pics?
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