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Posted: 12/7/2008 11:17:39 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AEnemaBay]
So you want one of your polymer pistols stippled, eh? Or maybe a synthetic stock, or a handguard?  Well if you’re like me you don’t want to spend upwards of $150 for a polymer heat stippling job, so I’m going to show you how to do it for about $15! First of all you’re going to need some materials.

You’ll need the following (everything is available at Lowes Hardware):
Weller 25 watt soldering iron (I use the SP23L model)
An assortment of 10-24 x 1/2" BRASS machine screws (screws that are already flat on top are best)
A Dremel with cutoff wheel
A needle file
Masking tape
A polymer victim



Next we'll have to checker the top of one of our brass machine screws. To do this I simply used the existing Philips slots in the screw as my starting lines. I then took my Dremel with cutoff wheel and began to checker my brass screw. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT! I personally use an assortment of screws that range from very deep checkering to very shallow checkering. This, of course, creates either very aggressive stippling or not so aggressive stippling. I also use the tips that come with the Weller soldering iron kit for fine points and edges.

Once you have done both your vertical and horizontal lines on your screw, break out your needle file and carefully point the tops of the pyramids to gain a more uniform pattern. Or don't if you want a crazy pattern. After you're done thread it into the soldering iron.



Now, take your victim and begin mapping out where you want it stippled with your masking tape. Take your time here and make sure everything is where you want it in the design that you want it. It would be a PITA to remove the stippling once it's been applied. Our victim for this tutorial is my first generation Ruger P95DC.




Now with the soldering iron all heated up you can start stippling. If you're still unsure of your abilities I'd suggest practicing on some scrap pistol grips and the like. Take your time and get used to the pattern that your particular screw makes. Twist the iron as you go to change up the direction and blend the dots together. Occasionally check your screw head for melted polymer sticking to the checkering. If this occurs just take a brass brush and brush it out of the screw.

That's it, it's that simple! You just saved yourself $150! Now if you want a deeper more uniform pattern you can use a soldering tip that you slightly round off. This will give you a "golf ball" like pattern. Here is our victim after only 25 minutes of work.






I hope this tutorial helps you all. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!
Link Posted: 11/3/2012 10:42:58 PM EDT
[#1]
Backstraps the MTNmyMag did for me. The frame was done by me. Not too nice looking, but it gets the job done.

Large modified backstrap:



Medium cross texture (ultimate grip!):

Link Posted: 11/11/2012 6:39:00 PM EDT
[#2]

Link Posted: 11/17/2012 6:33:43 PM EDT
[#3]
Got bored and decided to try putting some stippling on my MOE and the thumb pad for the Scout light mount.





Link Posted: 12/8/2012 11:42:19 PM EDT
[#4]
I tried out stippling as a form of marking/numbering my mags. Took longer to cut out the stencils than to mark it.



Link Posted: 12/9/2012 3:31:55 AM EDT
[#5]
Originally Posted By SecretSquirell:
I tried out stippling as a form of marking/numbering my mags. Took longer to cut out the stencils than to mark it.

http://imageshack.us/a/img705/1776/img1160t.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img233/9537/img1161al.jpg


nice

Link Posted: 1/30/2013 1:37:56 PM EDT
[#6]
I suppose I will play too. I sanded off the ribs of my KAC panels and stippled them with the same soldering iron that the OP used. However, I used the tip that came installed on the iron.


Link Posted: 1/30/2013 1:48:27 PM EDT
[#7]
Originally Posted By dislexiclawyer:
I suppose I will play too. I sanded off the ribs of my KAC panels and stippled them with the same soldering iron that the OP used. However, I used the tip that came installed on the iron.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/dislexiclawyer/IMG_0081_zps4b35586a.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/dislexiclawyer/IMG_0082_zps19880e65.jpg


Can you get some better close-up pics. Been wanting to do this on my KAC panels but haven't gotten around to it.
Link Posted: 1/30/2013 3:21:02 PM EDT
[#8]
I tried to get some better pictures for you. I used a dremel to sand down the ribs and then used 80 and 120 grit sand paper to smooth out the panel before stippling it. Using a fine point on the soldering iron created the exact texture I was wanting.




Link Posted: 1/30/2013 8:14:59 PM EDT
[#9]
Originally Posted By dislexiclawyer:
I tried to get some better pictures for you. I used a dremel to sand down the ribs and then used 80 and 120 grit sand paper to smooth out the panel before stippling it. Using a fine point on the soldering iron created the exact texture I was wanting.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/dislexiclawyer/SAM_0252_zpsde862ca4.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/dislexiclawyer/SAM_0255_zps5ef0c7bd.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/dislexiclawyer/SAM_0258_zpsd0290bec.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/dislexiclawyer/SAM_0259_zpsd16134a1.jpg


Looks good. I like it.
Link Posted: 1/31/2013 10:43:54 PM EDT
[#10]
My humble contribution. Noveske inspired. Just made some Magpul ones in the same style/color that I hope to post pics of soon.








Link Posted: 1/31/2013 10:52:18 PM EDT
[#11]
Originally Posted By killjoythedestroyer:
My humble contribution. Noveske inspired. Just made some Magpul ones in the same style/color that I hope to post pics of soon.

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t468/killjoythedestroyer/002_zpse9f2333f-1_zpsf9105cef.jpg



Hot damn!

How'd you do it? Draw it on and stipple around it?
Link Posted: 1/31/2013 11:49:36 PM EDT
[#12]





Originally Posted By SecretSquirell:





Originally Posted By killjoythedestroyer:


My humble contribution. Noveske inspired. Just made some Magpul ones in the same style/color that I hope to post pics of soon.





http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t468/killjoythedestroyer/002_zpse9f2333f-1_zpsf9105cef.jpg











Hot damn!





How'd you do it? Draw it on and stipple around it?
Yep, sure did. It is very time consuming and requires more patience than most people have.
 
 
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 12:47:08 AM EDT
[#13]
Originally Posted By killjoythedestroyer:

Originally Posted By SecretSquirell:
Originally Posted By killjoythedestroyer:
My humble contribution. Noveske inspired. Just made some Magpul ones in the same style/color that I hope to post pics of soon.

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t468/killjoythedestroyer/002_zpse9f2333f-1_zpsf9105cef.jpg



Hot damn!

How'd you do it? Draw it on and stipple around it?
Yep, sure did. It is very time consuming and requires more patience than most people have.

   


I hear you. I damn near go crossed eyed and blind by the time I get done stippling a mag. Couldn't imagine trying to throw a design in there too.
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 1:34:10 PM EDT
[#14]
Originally Posted By killjoythedestroyer:
My humble contribution. Noveske inspired. Just made some Magpul ones in the same style/color that I hope to post pics of soon.

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t468/killjoythedestroyer/002_zpse9f2333f-1_zpsf9105cef.jpg



Those look awesome great job.
Link Posted: 2/1/2013 2:54:46 PM EDT
[#15]
Wow.. Like the stippled # idea and the drawn design on the KAC panels.
Link Posted: 2/16/2013 10:36:42 PM EDT
[#16]
Anyone know where to get replacement tips for the soldering iron?

I was using the fine tip, but after a while it starts to wear out and bend.
Link Posted: 2/16/2013 11:15:43 PM EDT
[#17]
Originally Posted By MIDGAPATRIOT:
Anyone know where to get replacement tips for the soldering iron?

I was using the fine tip, but after a while it starts to wear out and bend.


Local hardware store maybe?
Link Posted: 2/24/2013 4:40:51 PM EDT
[#18]
Originally Posted By dislexiclawyer:
I tried to get some better pictures for you. I used a dremel to sand down the ribs and then used 80 and 120 grit sand paper to smooth out the panel before stippling it. Using a fine point on the soldering iron created the exact texture I was wanting.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/dislexiclawyer/SAM_0252_zpsde862ca4.jpg

I love this! ...how long did it take you to do that? I just did my first grip last night and it took forever, so I can't imagine how long this took.
Link Posted: 2/27/2013 4:12:10 AM EDT
[#19]
Tried one out on my pmag. Like the feel so I'll do the rest and maybe find the balls to do my M&P.

I liked SecretSquirell's numbering system so I copied modified it.


iphone instagram photo 3 by Subie J, on Flickr


iphone instagram photo 4 by Subie J, on Flickr

Link Posted: 2/27/2013 10:53:56 AM EDT
[#20]
Originally Posted By SDmtnbkr:
I love this! ...how long did it take you to do that? I just did my first grip last night and it took forever, so I can't imagine how long this took.


I honestly don't recall how long it took. I have done all of my rail covers, but I didn't do them at one time. I would venture a guess that the full length panels took at least 30 mins a piece just for the stippling.

Link Posted: 2/27/2013 11:17:12 AM EDT
[#21]
Did these a while back but still my favorite. Can't wait for E-mags to be affordable and available again!




Link Posted: 2/27/2013 11:25:28 AM EDT
[#22]
A more current set. These were very time consuming but the results... worth it!




Link Posted: 2/27/2013 11:41:30 AM EDT
[#23]
Originally Posted By Ubar_Jay:

I liked SecretSquirell's numbering system so I copied modified it.



As a royalty payment I'll require your first born
Link Posted: 2/27/2013 11:42:14 AM EDT
[#24]
Originally Posted By killjoythedestroyer:
Did these a while back but still my favorite. Can't wait for E-mags to be affordable and available again!

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t468/killjoythedestroyer/premium%20e-mag%20logo%20set/DSC_0134.jpg


That looks amazing. Gives me a project once my Emags come in on backorder
Link Posted: 2/27/2013 11:42:56 AM EDT
[#25]
Originally Posted By killjoythedestroyer:
A more current set. These were very time consuming but the results... worth it!

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t468/killjoythedestroyer/1792b08f-35ee-434a-a447-05f6e990df4a.jpg


Are those colored in or is it just the lighting?
Link Posted: 2/27/2013 12:12:33 PM EDT
[#26]



Originally Posted By SecretSquirell:



Originally Posted By killjoythedestroyer:

A more current set. These were very time consuming but the results... worth it!



http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t468/killjoythedestroyer/1792b08f-35ee-434a-a447-05f6e990df4a.jpg




Are those colored in or is it just the lighting?


Yep, those are colored. Dyed actually. I stumbled on it by accident when trying to make some other colors. It's hard to get a solid black with dye and you never know what color something will be until you actually dye it. It's frustrating but I got some help in the rit dye thread here. Lots of useful info.

 
Link Posted: 3/1/2013 3:37:11 PM EDT
[#27]
The two tone looks GREAT.  Can you give us more info on how you did it? Or any links would help.
Link Posted: 3/11/2013 2:15:36 AM EDT
[#28]
Link Posted: 3/11/2013 7:48:05 AM EDT
[#29]
Originally Posted By TheTacticalCoyote:
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/2516/mpstippled031.jpg


Digging the MP lower. Lucky bastard
Link Posted: 3/22/2013 11:29:46 AM EDT
[Last Edit: BearJace] [#30]
A couple I did a while back. Made a stencil of a picture I found online for the reaper, freehanded the spartan one.



Other side

Link Posted: 3/22/2013 9:13:09 PM EDT
[#31]
Link Posted: 3/24/2013 1:29:14 PM EDT
[#32]
Link Posted: 3/24/2013 2:32:52 PM EDT
[#33]
Nothing fancy like some of the awesome work in this thread, but it gets the job done.
Link Posted: 4/1/2013 2:19:31 AM EDT
[#34]
My stippling tol

Link Posted: 4/1/2013 11:21:56 AM EDT
[#35]
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
My stippling tol

http://i50.tinypic.com/2l8l0n4.jpg


What did you use to make that?
Link Posted: 4/1/2013 1:32:58 PM EDT
[#36]
Originally Posted By SecretSquirell:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
My stippling tol

http://i50.tinypic.com/2l8l0n4.jpg


What did you use to make that?


Waffle stippling , search google image : glock waffle stipple

Link Posted: 4/1/2013 3:11:08 PM EDT
[#37]
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
Originally Posted By SecretSquirell:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
My stippling tol

http://i50.tinypic.com/2l8l0n4.jpg


What did you use to make that?


Waffle stippling , search google image : glock waffle stipple



That doesn't help tell me what he used to make the tool.
Link Posted: 4/1/2013 4:45:17 PM EDT
[#38]
Originally Posted By SecretSquirell:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
Originally Posted By SecretSquirell:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
My stippling tol

http://i50.tinypic.com/2l8l0n4.jpg


What did you use to make that?


Waffle stippling , search google image : glock waffle stipple



That doesn't help tell me what he used to make the tool.


I've read people made them from a brass screw head, where they used a dremel to make the waffle pattern.  Possibly he did that..
Link Posted: 4/1/2013 5:22:37 PM EDT
[#39]
Originally Posted By Ryo:
Originally Posted By SecretSquirell:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
Originally Posted By SecretSquirell:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
My stippling tol

http://i50.tinypic.com/2l8l0n4.jpg


What did you use to make that?


Waffle stippling , search google image : glock waffle stipple



That doesn't help tell me what he used to make the tool.


I've read people made them from a brass screw head, where they used a dremel to make the waffle pattern.  Possibly he did that..


Tried that once, but it was with a roundhead brass screw and the results weren't what I was going for. I think a flatheaded one would work better but that's all the local hardware store had on hand.
Link Posted: 4/2/2013 4:59:20 PM EDT
[Last Edit: glockfabio] [#40]
no dremel but  used a 20 Lines-Per-Inch checkering file to checker the tip.
Link Posted: 4/2/2013 6:31:55 PM EDT
[#41]
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
no dremel but  used a 20 Lines-Per-Inch checkering file to checker the tip.


Was it just a brass screw to start with?
Link Posted: 4/3/2013 2:07:33 AM EDT
[#42]
I modified the tips marked in red

Link Posted: 4/10/2013 5:04:41 AM EDT
[#43]
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
I modified the tips marked in red

http://i49.tinypic.com/25qvtya.jpg


Where did you buy this set? The sets I see do not come with those tips.
Link Posted: 4/10/2013 6:34:18 AM EDT
[#44]
Originally Posted By EOC:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
I modified the tips marked in red

http://i49.tinypic.com/25qvtya.jpg


Where did you buy this set? The sets I see do not come with those tips.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-Tip-Woodburning-Hobby-WHK30/dp/B002JE549W
Link Posted: 4/10/2013 4:58:12 PM EDT
[#45]
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
Originally Posted By EOC:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
I modified the tips marked in red

http://i49.tinypic.com/25qvtya.jpg


Where did you buy this set? The sets I see do not come with those tips.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-Tip-Woodburning-Hobby-WHK30/dp/B002JE549W


Thank you
Link Posted: 4/18/2013 9:20:44 AM EDT
[#46]
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
Originally Posted By EOC:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
I modified the tips marked in red

http://i49.tinypic.com/25qvtya.jpg


Where did you buy this set? The sets I see do not come with those tips.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-Tip-Woodburning-Hobby-WHK30/dp/B002JE549W


I like this set even though im in the western hemisphere but i am guessing you recommend as well a well soldering station? I want to know what to get to start playing with this!!! Thanks
Link Posted: 4/18/2013 10:46:14 AM EDT
[#47]
Originally Posted By ycastane:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
Originally Posted By EOC:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
I modified the tips marked in red

http://i49.tinypic.com/25qvtya.jpg


Where did you buy this set? The sets I see do not come with those tips.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-Tip-Woodburning-Hobby-WHK30/dp/B002JE549W


I like this set even though im in the western hemisphere but i am guessing you recommend as well a well soldering station? I want to know what to get to start playing with this!!! Thanks


http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WSB25WB-25-Watt-Barrel-Woodburning/dp/B000EMBEY0/ref=pd_cp_hi_0
Link Posted: 4/18/2013 2:42:28 PM EDT
[#48]
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
Originally Posted By ycastane:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
Originally Posted By EOC:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
I modified the tips marked in red

http://i49.tinypic.com/25qvtya.jpg


Where did you buy this set? The sets I see do not come with those tips.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-Tip-Woodburning-Hobby-WHK30/dp/B002JE549W


I like this set even though im in the western hemisphere but i am guessing you recommend as well a well soldering station? I want to know what to get to start playing with this!!! Thanks


http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WSB25WB-25-Watt-Barrel-Woodburning/dp/B000EMBEY0/ref=pd_cp_hi_0


Thankkkkkkkk youuuuuuuuu!!!!! Im buying it as we speak LOL. Wanted to start stipling for a while now!!!
Link Posted: 4/18/2013 5:21:14 PM EDT
[#49]
Originally Posted By ycastane:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
Originally Posted By ycastane:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
Originally Posted By EOC:
Originally Posted By glockfabio:
I modified the tips marked in red

http://i49.tinypic.com/25qvtya.jpg


Where did you buy this set? The sets I see do not come with those tips.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-Tip-Woodburning-Hobby-WHK30/dp/B002JE549W


I like this set even though im in the western hemisphere but i am guessing you recommend as well a well soldering station? I want to know what to get to start playing with this!!! Thanks


http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WSB25WB-25-Watt-Barrel-Woodburning/dp/B000EMBEY0/ref=pd_cp_hi_0


Thankkkkkkkk youuuuuuuuu!!!!! Im buying it as we speak LOL. Wanted to start stipling for a while now!!!


I wish I would've found this set when I was looking around. I like how short it is (I know, "that's what she said"), it's hard to get real fine control with a long soldering iron. Plus it has all those nice attachments.
Link Posted: 4/21/2013 3:30:42 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Fundillo] [#50]


Just got done stippling my carry piece today, it's amazing!
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