Buck Mark Air Pistol Wood Grips

[AHCampbell]

So, I'm going to be starting my first ever woodworking project tomorrow, namely, wood grips for my Buck Mark Airgun.  Now, I've seen plenty of tips, but I'm completely, utterly new to woodworking.  From what I've read, I think I should make a template, cut it out, shape it, sand it, and finish it?  Does that sound right?  I was also thinking I should make several templates, to practice.  I was just going to be using discount 2x4s, till I got good enough to bump up to something more expensive.

Tools wise, I have a powered wood saw, a dremel, sandpaper, and safety equipment (gloves, goggles, etc).  Anything I'm missing?

Also, any other tips you feel are necessary are welcome.

I will post pictures as I go.

[Pepster]

Since you have a dremel, I might suggest that you purchase a router attachment and some router bits in a few different sizes.  This will make the job of inletting (shaping the wood to fit the metal) much easier.  A  5 or 6 inch sanding disk chucked in a bench mounted drill makes quick work of rough shaping.  Also, instead of using pine 2x4's,  I would recommend Poplar. It's much harder than pine and will give you a better feel for fancy hardwoods when you are ready to make the jump. It's readily available at local lumber stores (Home Depot, Lowes) and not expensive. While Poplar is not very attractive with a natural finish, it takes paint very well.  Be very careful with your fingers. Some things can't be replaced. 
Pepster

[AHCampbell]

Thanks.  I forgit to update this.  I got a first pair done, but with several problems, as expected.  First off, the piece of wood (a standard 2x4) was too thick, resulting in one grip being too thick.  I then overcompensated, making the other grip too thin.  I think I can solve this by simply usiing a piece of wood about half as thick.  My other problem was that the finished product looked stepped, because of how I did it.  I think a propper dremel woodworking but would help, as I'm not entirely sure what my but was meant for.  I'll post a picture of it as well.

To finish it off, I just spray painted it, as I didn't want to waste stain and finish on such a rough job.

[Addictedtoair]

Still no pics??

[AHCampbell]

At long last.  The much awaited, but mostly embarrassing, picture of my grips :/.  Can't say I'm too proud.



Two things I know I need to change.  One, I need to get a better woodworking bit.  Two, I need thinner wood.

Also, this was taken on an iPod, so sorry for the quality.

[Slavia]

I use the 1/2" sanding drums.

[AHCampbell]

I found a wood shaping bit I was looking at.  The problem with the one I have is its too darned small.

[PGunner]

If you have access to a table saw you can do a lot of it on the saw and then a wood rasp finishing it with sand paper. The most important part is go slow and take your time if you start to push it take a break. You don't have to finish it in one day from what I see your on the right track.

[HYspd]

I have never been able to sculpt anything with a dremel tool..i know there are
Micheal Angelo artists out there that can, but I ain't one of 'em..if you're like me,
you need a couple of wood rasps (curved surfaced course files for wood working)
they are great for shaping contours like thumb rests and finger grooves and you
can wrap sand paper around them to do finer and finer work as you get closer to
the finished shape you want..

[Slavia]

I like to take a 6"X1" piece of abrasive cloth and pull it past my thumb like a "mini belt sander."  Paper won't do; it has to be a cloth backing.  The thumb on one hand presses down on the cloth backing while the other hand pulls it past (the thumb moves a little with each stroke to prevent the creation of little divots).  It can be abrasive cloth, "shop roll," or part of a discarded sanding belt (they tend to wear down the middle).

[AHCampbell]

Excelent ideas!  Hoping to start my next pair soon, after I'm done with my (extended) research.