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Posted: 9/11/2013 8:39:13 PM EDT
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Ok, I recently posted in another thread that I had to extend the length of the handle on the bayonet to fit my 653 clone. To deal with the extended handle I made a set of wood handles that I then wrapper with 550 cord. I finally decided that I'm not real happy with the handle the way it is. I've picked up a piece of Delrin and I'm going to attempt to make a new handle. I know a few of you have already done this with some impressive results and I was wondering exactly how you went a about doing it? I'm guessing that the Delrin has to first be turned on the lathe to get the basic shape. Is it then split down the center into two halves? How did you go about cutting the handles to clear the steel down the center?
Here Is what I have now. 
And this is about what I'd like to end up with but, in black. 
Of course, if someone who already knows how to do this would like to take on this little project I'll gladly ship you the bayonet and the Delrin that I have to do this project with. Doc |
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Quoted:
Ok, I recently posted in another thread that I had to extend the length of the handle on the bayonet to fit my 653 clone. To deal with the extended handle I made a set of wood handles that I then wrapper with 550 cord. I finally decided that I'm not real happy with the handle the way it is. I've picked up a piece of Delrin and I'm going to attempt to make a new handle. I know a few of you have already done this with some impressive results and I was wondering exactly how you went a about doing it? I'm guessing that the Delrin has to first be turned on the lathe to get the basic shape. Is it then split down the center into two halves? How did you go about cutting the handles to clear the steel down the center? Here Is what I have now. <a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/mwrdyna/media/Bayonet2.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f168/mwrdyna/Bayonet2.jpg</a> <a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/mwrdyna/media/653Bayo.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f168/mwrdyna/653Bayo.jpg</a> And this is about what I'd like to end up with but, in black. http://photos.imageevent.com/willyp/firearmsalbums/pendingwork/601%20Bay%20R%20dk.jpg Of course, if someone who already knows how to do this would like to take on this little project I'll gladly ship you the bayonet and the Delrin that I have to do this project with. Doc I like the 550 cord idea, that would look pretty good on a IDF build |
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I've done knife handles on a wood lathe in both wood and plastic. For two piece handels you use the half spindle technique. You take two blocks of perfectly flat material and lightly glue a piece of paper between them. You turn the handle as though it was a one piece. Sanding and polishing can be 90% done while spinning it on the lathe. When done you cut off the ends, belt sand any flat spots and drill your holes. When you are happy with the results, you break the pair apart on the paper line. A very light sanding removes the paper and trace glue.
I don't know if this would work here, but it was my thought on the subject. |
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Thanks for everybody's input. I do have access to a Shopsmith. In fact it is the same lathe I used to make the wood handles that the 550 cord is wrapped around on the bayonet right now. The thing I guess I don't like about the wood/550 cord setup that I have right now is the shape of the handles. I don't think they are fat enough in the center. I figured that if I'm going to try to fix my handles I might as well try to make a set that looks a little more like they are factory. I do have a couple more questions: What is the best way to cut the channel down the center for the tang? When working with Delrin, can it be shaped with regular chisels that you'd use for shaping wood on the lathe?
Doc 
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Quoted:
Thanks for everybody's input. I do have access to a Shopsmith. In fact it is the same lathe I used to make the wood handles that the 550 cord is wrapped around on the bayonet right now. The thing I guess I don't like about the wood/550 cord setup that I have right now is the shape of the handles. I don't think they are fat enough in the center. I figured that if I'm going to try to fix my handles I might as well try to make a set that looks a little more like they are factory. I do have a couple more questions: What is the best way to cut the channel down the center for the tang? When working with Delrin, can it be shaped with regular chisels that you'd use for shaping wood on the lathe? Doc <a href="http://s47.photobucket.com/user/mwrdyna/media/AR15smile.gif.html" target="_blank">http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f168/mwrdyna/AR15smile.gif</a> If it were me making them, I would use a router table with a fence on one strip of material. I would first cut the full length grove, then the deep cut on both ends. Then I would cut it in half, before I papered and glued the two halfs together. Then I would turn them, sand and polish, drill, sand flat the ends, sand and finish for detail, then break them apart, lightly sand the paper and glue off and mount them. |
| Sorry, forgot to answer the tool question. Yes wood tools will work, but don't over work one spot. If you do, it will get hot and change shapes. Work slower then wood and move around. Enen stop and start again if needed. Make sure you sharpen them before you start. |
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