[Methos]

I just wanted to show off my first polymer frame stipple job. I have to say that once you get over the mental barrier of doing permanent things to the plastic on your gun, its quite easy. Just press lightly and lift. Almost like painting.

I used a 25watt weller wood burning kit and one of their brass tips that I modified. I happened to have a 25tpi checkering file lying around and I used it to checker the tip once I ground off the pattern design that was on it. Many people use soldering irons, which is really all this thing is as well.

It helps to practice on a piece of similar plastic a little before you do the frame. I practiced about 10 minutes before I felt comfortable. It also helps to use a wire brush to clean the tip a bit every couple minutes. If you mess up you can go over the area again and correct it. It seems to me to help if you let the mess up cool and harden a bit before going back over it. All in all it took me about 30 minutes to stipple the gun, 5 to make the tip, and a few days to think about it.

Also some say to sand it afterwards with 120 grit paper, but I liked it rough. All I did was touch up the area above the grip safety a tiny bit because it felt a little too aggressive on my hand up there.

Don't be afraid. If you have a "working" gun and not a showpiece, consider it. It works real well, its easy, and looks cool (and we know how important that is).

 

[SilentHitz]

I think it turned out pretty good, kinda reminds me of snake skin. :thumbup:

 

[captain-03]

..... kinda reminds me of snake skin. :thumbup:

Exactly what I was thinking when I saw it ... very appropriate for the .45acp -- it will bite!!

 

[powerstrokin06]

What tha???? Awe man I misread the title....wrong forum I guess..Looks good tho :lol:

 

[Xd357]

I'd like to stipple my xdm but I'm nervous about it.

 

[GunOneDown]

looks pretty good. congrats on your new gun.
XD357- Just Do It
I had mine done and really like it. Am going to get another done soon as well.

 

[Rbelote]

Nice job man. I have been thinking about trying my hand at that but like you said I have the mental block. I need one of those tips. I dont like the stippling with a regular soldering iron. I was thinking about getting a leather/wood burning tool with the interchangeable bits.

 

[MrClean]

That looks pretty good. I may have to get a setup and try it on one of the Glocks. Much better than skateboard tape for USPSA too!

 

[Methos]

Nice job man. I have been thinking about trying my hand at that but like you said I have the mental block. I need one of those tips. I dont like the stippling with a regular soldering iron. I was thinking about getting a leather/wood burning tool with the interchangeable bits.

This wood burning kit can be had at sears for 17.00 but its the file that makes the difference for making the checkered tip. The files are sold by gunsmithing places like brownells but they are expensive. I originally got it for work on a 1911. Perhaps one can be found somewhere else cheaper but don't know where. I think the thread on the these tips are the same as most other soldering iron screw in tips.