Re: Hand checkering a 1911 front strap
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniperhandle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow!! Nice job. Is there some type of fixture you use to hold the file straight? </div></div>
I have done several. The earlier ones were functional and looked decent. Later, I got better and did some competent work. I bought a checkering guide from Brownells and used it once. It was not what I thought it would be.
Eventually, I started using a vise to set up my lines. If you remove the grip bushings, the frame will sit nicely in the jaws and they will give you a good solid guide. One caveat, when you set the frame in the vise to do the horizontal lines, be sure the jaws are square or you will have a mess.
For another pointer, be careful with the Colt frames. They have a bevel at the bottom of the mag well and if you are not careful, you will cut through it. Springfield and Kimbers do not have this.