ltwguns.com

Why are folks drawn to hand checkering?

From a practical standpoint - isn't it the end result that matters? Talking Points?

Because it looks good.

Anyone can stipple....not just anyone can hand checker...

_________________
"The most effective armor is to keep out of range"-Italian proverb

CHECK OUT MY CUSTOM 1911 BLOG
http://thearsenalofdemocracy.blogspot.com

Anthony: Thanks for the reply.

My main question revolved around machine checkering vs. hand checkering

their was a discussion on 1911 forum i believe. actually from what i remember a GREAT machine checkering job can be more perfect than a hand job.. (no pun intended ) cause you take out the human factor....

but the same with machine work. in a production run, the checkering will probably suffer. the frames will be a little differant, tool bits get worn out, ect. ect....

I've seen both done very well and both done very poorly. In either case, it depends on the checkerer and his/her tools. My hand doesn't know the difference between the two when they're done right.

~Jim Keeney

_________________
"I'd rather die on my feet than keep living on my knees." - Emiliano Zapata, Mexican Revolutionary

I'm assuming that hand checkering would costs more and takes much longer to do?

_________________
Hard work pays off

Well, I've always been fond of good ole fashioned workmanship. Making perfect points in steel using some files and elbow grease is an art that I admire. Since I've done a few hand checkering pieces myself, I respect the people that spend their effort and time in doing it this way.

Machining is an art too which Ned seems to do so effortlessly. Just depends what you fancy more.

Machine cheackering can be cheaper in some cases, but usually it is right around the same price. Hand checkering probably takes longer and is definitely more taxing on the body, but machine checkering has to factor in expensive cutters that will usually last for a few jobs and then need to be replaced.

Often times people think that machine checkering is faster and should be cheaper, but here are a few things to think about:

As mentioned above, checkering by machine takes cutters that are usually in the $30 to $60 range and usually just last for a few jobs.

Just setting up the frame on a milling machine and making sure it is properly squared to the cutter can take an hour or more.

Machine checkering requires the front strap to be as close to perfectly true as humanly possible. (Hand checkering needs it to be true as well but some lack of trueness can be compensated for by hand).

A milling machine costs about $2000 for a nice used Bridgeport or similar.

Checkering on a mill requires some time of jig and fixturing set-up, whether it is the Keller Checkering Fixture, a dividing head, rotary table or something similar. Figure $300 to $800 for one of the above.

These are just a few things to think about. Checkering files aren't cheap either so I guess that can equal out the cost of the cutter because metal checkering files aren't going to last forever either. I think whether a smith checkers by hand or machine is personal preference and both can be equally well done, or equally as poor depending on the 'smith. I wouldn't expect either to be more or less expensive than the other, price depends on the provider here from my research.

Artistic quality. Part of the alure to a custom gun. Its totally intangable, but quite present. It gives a gun character.

Its been my experiance (and I have done it both ways) that the time element is a trade off if your going for that perfect field of pyramids, to include that perfectly finished border. This of course from a working pespective. Over the last ten or 15 years i have come to admire the quality of machine checkering out there, but you can still nit pick the differences once you have looked at a few. personally have always prefered the look that Dick Heinie perfected and was kind enough to share with me, wherein the diamonds are complete on the top,bottom and sides, and there are no over runs. It takes as long to do just the borders as it does to layout the field. minor details....in the arena that these gentlemen are working its details that count. just my opinion. My hands still suffer and its been awhile..carpel tunnel and arthritis...lol..shoulda charged more to cover all the dropped coffee cups...lol

_________________
http://www.warnerpistols.com/
cvwinabq@live.com
Rio Rancho New Mexico

"I like double barrels....Aprilia, Ducati, and sxs rifles"

Dave, who did the chekering on that gun? its Sweet!!

_________________
http://www.landsharkleather.com/
Building Hand Crafted Leather for the 1911 Platform

your joking right? lol.

from what i hear. dave is "alright" at checkering......

Nice work Dave.....Ben Gay?

_________________
http://www.warnerpistols.com/
cvwinabq@live.com
Rio Rancho New Mexico

"I like double barrels....Aprilia, Ducati, and sxs rifles"