[Master Gunworks]

Wisconsin Built 1911 Commander Part 1: We are now starting another 1911 build. This one will be a .45 ACP, commander length. I will keep posting parts of the building process = so you can follow along if you like. Here we are sharpening (pointing up) the checkering on the front strap. It is checkered at 25 lines per inch. You might ask why I would start here in the building process. As many of you know, hand filing checkering can be very touchy and easy to mess up. If I were to mess up at this point it would be a lot less painful than if I had already put hours of work into the frame.

 

[Tonysmjc]

At the end of the day this one is coming to my house
So needless to say I’m in

 

[sechip88]

Following.

 

[Old Sea Dragon]

In

 

[Genes 1911]

Pretty cool provenance to watch the build with photos. The gunsmith's here are true craftsmen. These threads are the best!

 

[CA-Legal-Vette]

Very interested. Thanks for the effort of posting this.

 

[Norm321]

I’ll enjoy following this. I’m pleased to see a Wisconsin ‘smith in action!

 

[CA-Legal-Vette]

While we’re waiting for the next installment, could you tell us the name of the single row file that you’re using in the top pic? Also, is this file te tool used to get the tapering detail in the vertices cuts at the top of the front strap?

 

[Master Gunworks]

While we’re waiting for the next installment, could you tell us the name of the single row file that you’re using in the top pic? Also, is this file te tool used to get the tapering detail in the vertices cuts at the top of the front strap?

The file is actually one I have modified myself. It was originally purchased from Brownells. The vertical cuts in the frame are mostly from the machining process. The front checkering is machined in a fixture at a depth of 50% before I start filing. This significantly reduces the time needed to checker the front strap but still retains the quality of a hand filed checkering. This way I also have perfectly straight lines to follow. In my opinion this produces a result that is the best of both worlds (by hand/by machine).

 

[Bluegrass]

In, will be interesting and fun to follow

 

[Master Gunworks]

Now I am filing a very slight undercut at the top of the checkering pattern. This gets rid of the pointed cuts at the top of the pattern. I like a nice sharp defined edge at the end of the checkering pattern.

 

[38]

This is a great thread. Thank you for posting it.
I'll be watching along with interest.

 

[Master Gunworks]

Not fully finished, but you get the idea.

 

[Commodore]

Can't wait to see the finished product. Might have to dust off the checkbook pretty soon.

 

[Master Gunworks]

Now a little light stoning to get the perfect fit. Usually I use my surface grinder to get it close but this one is within about .001" so a little stoning and we should have it.

 

[nod]

In, very interesting.

 

[Fred_G]

In to watch. Out of curiosity, what do you use to even out the undercut in post #13?

Really cool seeing how you do the different steps. Certainly skill I lack.

 

[Master Gunworks]

Thank you. I use Just a file and sandpaper to even it out

 

[Fred_G]

You have way more skill and patience than I do sir. Details like that is where I would fry a frame. I pay to have that stuff done, but awesome to see the details of how it is done.

 

[Master Gunworks]

You have way more skill and patience than I do sir. Details like that is where I would fry a frame. I pay to have that stuff done, but awesome to see the details of how it is done.

It’s not hard to screw up. Taking it slow is the key I think.