Posted: 3/23/2010 10:47:52 PM EDT
|
Besides the obvious what is the difference between the 2?
Do some prefer hand to machine or vice versa? Is cost effectiveness the reason to go with the machine checkering since it is cheaper? Then also what's a good number to go with? I am thinkig of sending my Spinger to have a little work done. Not anytime soon. I just kind of want to get an idea. Thanks n Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
|
Machine checkering usually isn't as sharp and has a clean up line at the top. I like hand checkering but it's fine if they start on a machine and finish with a file. Most importantly I want no clean up line on top. Look up the difference between, say, Wilson Combat and Ted Yost.
Pete Single is the guy to go to for machine checkering btw. |
|
Quoted:
Machine cut checkering ends up sitting "on top" of the front strap and is more uniform than handcut. I have both right now and have had both over the years. As for one being sharper I havent noticed it. You get someone who is good at it they can do a clean hand checkering that comes out very nice. |
|
Before any more misleading information gets added to this thread let me hopefully help clarify a few things.
Assuming both are done correctly, the big difference between machine cut checkering and hand cut checkering is that one is done on a mill and the other is done by hand. Differences in the style or look of how the checkering is bordered is largely up to the person checkering the gun and exactly how skilled said person is and how well they can do the job. You can do almost anything with a mill including perfect machine cut checkering, but you have to know how to do it. You can also do absolutely perfect checkering by hand but, just as with machine cut checkering, you have to know how to do it. Neither is easy. Without considering how the top, bottom, or sides of the checkering pattern is bordered, if both machine and hand cut checkering are done correctly each diamond will make a point at the top and as such both machine cut and hand cut will be as “sharp” as the other. Most of the time if there is a difference it is born out of the skill, or better yet lack thereof, of the person checkering the gun. |
|
I remember an article in American Handgunner magazine from several years ago. The author preferred hand checkering because he felt it provided a greater 'interface' between the builder and the owner. The author enjoyed the slight imperfections (not true in every case) inherent in the handwork.
I'm guessing he enjoyed thinking of the blood, sweat and tears required to produce near perfect hand checkering. Let me tell you, machine checkering ain't no tea with the frikkin' queen either! As my compadre' Jason noted, the final result by either method, is a direct result of the skill and dedication of the smith, not of the process. By the way, the checkering from Heirloom Precision is the VERY BEST anywhere, period. |
|
Quoted: Before any more misleading information gets added to this thread let me hopefully help clarify a few things. Assuming both are done correctly, the big difference between machine cut checkering and hand cut checkering is that one is done on a mill and the other is done by hand. Differences in the style or look of how the checkering is bordered is largely up to the person checkering the gun and exactly how skilled said person is and how well they can do the job. You can do almost anything with a mill including perfect machine cut checkering, but you have to know how to do it. You can also do absolutely perfect checkering by hand but, just as with machine cut checkering, you have to know how to do it. Neither is easy. Without considering how the top, bottom, or sides of the checkering pattern is bordered, if both machine and hand cut checkering are done correctly each diamond will make a point at the top and as such both machine cut and hand cut will be as “sharp” as the other. Most of the time if there is a difference it is born out of the skill, or better yet lack thereof, of the person checkering the gun. Ive seen plenty of perfect machine cut checkering. Ive yet to see perfect handcut work and over the years Ive seen a few. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Before any more misleading information gets added to this thread let me hopefully help clarify a few things. Assuming both are done correctly, the big difference between machine cut checkering and hand cut checkering is that one is done on a mill and the other is done by hand. Differences in the style or look of how the checkering is bordered is largely up to the person checkering the gun and exactly how skilled said person is and how well they can do the job. You can do almost anything with a mill including perfect machine cut checkering, but you have to know how to do it. You can also do absolutely perfect checkering by hand but, just as with machine cut checkering, you have to know how to do it. Neither is easy. Without considering how the top, bottom, or sides of the checkering pattern is bordered, if both machine and hand cut checkering are done correctly each diamond will make a point at the top and as such both machine cut and hand cut will be as “sharp” as the other. Most of the time if there is a difference it is born out of the skill, or better yet lack thereof, of the person checkering the gun. Ive seen plenty of perfect machine cut checkering. Ive yet to see perfect handcut work and over the years Ive seen a few. But have you seen Jason's work? ;) |
|
Jason, to be clear I'm not saying that machine cut can't be as good, I'm sure it can. But from what I have seen, machine cutting is used to save money over hand cutting, or time, and usually the standards are less. They also like to cut that damn clean up line and not relieve the frame like you and Ted do.
BTW, the absolute worst checkering I have ever seen was on a Nighthawk. One line went THROUGH a bunch of diamonds and ended up in the next line over. I don't know how they let that out the door. That one should have been stippled and given to charity. BTW, listen to Chuck about hand cut checkering. Both where to get it and what to expect. And 25 LPI is probably as good as it gets if you want checkering on a working gun. |
|
Quoted:
Speaking of Heirloom Precision, here is what hand checkering done by Ted Yost looks like. If it gets any better than this, I'd be damned surprised: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v717/Guevera/DSCN0120.jpg Very very nice! Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |