On a split grip setup, how do you guys "cleanly" ream the butt grip? I am speaking of a fighting butt that is closed on one end.

I drill from the top down and apply enough epoxy to fill the void. This is a process divulged to my by an experienced builder. Works great, but drill in small increments at a time to avoid tearing the butt on the top end.

I have fitted a split grip recently for the first time. For reaming the butt grip I started using a tapered reamer, then continued with a circular file. I didn't use a rotating motion, but rather a vertical motion, gradually working around the sides of the hole to enlarge it. The blank is tapered, but the taper is so small over 2-3" that it is negligible, so a straight hole is fine. I ended up with a perfect fit and a rubber winding check covered up the small imperfections around the edge of the hole.

Tony

Check out our short video on split grips at the link below.

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Hello,

If you are referring to the 2-3" closed-end EVA/cork fighting butts, I use a jig which I made from square plastic blocks that have a V-groove running down the middle.

The blocks are mounted to my workbench and tightened together so that the grip sits squarely within the V-grooves.

I make sure the top of the grip is level then carefully enlarge the bore using multiple drill bits.
It's a bit tricky at first, and I messed up a few grips before finding a process that worked to produce a clean, straight, bore.

The other thing I do is wrap some masking tape around the drill bits as a visual depth stop--helps prevent drilling too deep and possibly boring a hole right out the bottom of the grip.

I'm sure there are other methods. This is just one I put together with materials already at hand.

-chad



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/01/2014 11:10PM by Chad Barlongo.

Use a slide caliper rule, measure the depth. Measure that depth on whatever you are reaming with, wrap a piece of masking tape around the reaming tool where you want it to stop.

I always like to see how everyone else does certain things, simply trying to find a better solution for a particular task. It seems you guys all have a method that produces.....I have done everything and have not been happy with the results vs. time/effort, so here is a way you all may want to try.
This works so good, it seems it was made just for this purpose. Get yourself a set of taps from 1/4" to 1/2", start working the taps in and out until your satisfied with the I.D. This works wonders with EVA and cork equally well. In short time you will develop a routine that produces excellent results.

Tony

Hi Tony,

Thanks for the tip. I can see how the finer fluting of a tap can cut cleaner than a drill bit.

Are you turning the taps by hand or under power?

-chad

Hey Chad, I turn them by hand, no need for power as they would probably bite and eat right through the end. I just work it back and forth and the tap cuts in each direction. Since the taps are fluted, they allow the cut material to remain loose, which allows it to clean out easily as well.


Tony

Excellent Tony,

That is a great help. I'll keep it in mind for my next trip to the hardware/automotive store.

-chad