In my build thread, I'm talking about some tools. I thought I might do a quick review of one here for the Everglades Ammo 1911 Frame Rail Sanding/Stoning Tool.
Build thread.
http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/threads/all-this-talk-about-1911-frames.930417/
As mentioned above, I bought this tool to use with the stone/sticks. The process seems to be fairly straightforward, I'm going to give it a try and seen how it goes.
Build thread.
http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/threads/all-this-talk-about-1911-frames.930417/
As mentioned above, I bought this tool to use with the stone/sticks. The process seems to be fairly straightforward, I'm going to give it a try and seen how it goes.
- Link: http://www.evergladesammo.com/gunsmithing/tools/1911-frame-rail-sanding-tool.html
- UPDATE: The SAME tool is available here for HALF the price!!! I have not tried it yet, but $35 is a HECK of a lot more palatable than $75. http://www.matrixprecisionparts.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=52
- I can't make any guarantee's on this tool, but it looks very similar.
- Overall tool looks nice, but there are some pretty significant tooling marks in it that I spent some time buffing out and some really sharp edges/corners that I had to break.
- For $75, I would normally expect better machining than this or at least better finishing. On the product out of the box, you can run your fingernail down it and it feels like you are going over a zipper.
- I started out with some 220 grit to knock down the ridges and took it down to 320 and 400 for a smooth surface for the hone. Total time to do that was about 20 minutes and I got to practice with my new glass block to keep things flat/smooth.
- Didn't realize it at the time, but it comes with a single 320 grit stone installed in it already, which was nice.
- If you watch the video here:
- They note the importance of honing oil. I don't have anything special so I just used some thread cutting fluid and it seemed to work just fine.
- The video also stresses the importance of keeping the stone clean, it does load up fairly quickly, and I found that a little shot of brake cleaner cleaned it up VERY quickly.
- This is my preferred brand and it's a great general degreaser/ cleaner for heavy stuff: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...erm=brake+cleaner&zoneAssigned=1&prefZC=30043
- Results/Observations:
- At the end of the day, it's a simple tool, it's a block with a slot and 3 threaded holes. If you have the tooling, you could make this for a LOT less than $75, I'm sure.
- BUT it's square. It works. and the company ships FAST.
- So if you need one in a hurry, probably worth the coin. I don't regret the purchase.
- It works, and it works WELL if you don't have a mill. It will give you a clean consistent cut on your rails and it'll keep them square. I like it and I would recommend it to neophytes who aren't sporting a mill.
- Note: the pics are AFTER I polished out the tooling marks.
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