Second 1911 started...

[pklin1297]

Started working on prepping for my second build. I finished decking my Officer frame (pictured), and finished removing the hump at the top of the front strap of my bobtail commander frame (not pictured). Gonna start decking the bobtail frame tonight as well. Decking is my least favorite part of the building process so I figured I'll just get it out of the way for all my frames... Got two more government frames to deck after the bobtail... Still waiting on the steel Limited-10 frame to get my 2011 build started; tempted to do the aluminum Limited-10 frame that I have first, but don't want to deal with anodizing just yet.

This Officer frame is the first one I started using what I call the "wood plane" method of decking, which is laying my file across the jig and frame, then push and pull the file down the length of the frame and dust cover. Using my Bastard file the materials were being removed much faster than just filing across the jig, plus this way I don't have to deal with high/low spots later.

Anyway, glad to see so many new builders online these days... You guys are creating one heck of a backlog for latecomers trying to get jigs and frames, but still awesome nonetheless.

[pterrell]

Very interesting! Excuse me for asking, but what's keeping your file from shaving away at the jig? Seems like you'd chew it up

[RogueSniper]

I thought the same thing until I was watching MosinVirus' video and he mentioned the hardness of the rod inserts. The rod inserts are harder material than the file. The files won't cut those rods easily. You should not be touching the aluminum jig with the file, if filing correctly.

[pklin1297]

The only thing that chews the jig up are the vice jaws.

The files glide on those hardened steel rods like butter on a hot pan (actually a good way to tell you're done with filing) so no harm done, but I still do not apply much pressure during filing and just let the file do the work. If you try to go fast and hard you'll get tired real quick.

I do remove the frame before I put the deck on a level surface to lightly sand/polish to knock out the file marks. Those hardened steel rods may laugh at files, but they don't fair well against sandpaper.

[Bigedski]

What brand of jig is that?

[pklin1297]

What brand of jig is that?

1911builder, but made by Matrix Precision. Matrix has a new model out now with beefier and replaceable steel rod inserts, and drilling guides for the hammer and sear pin holes, all in one jig.

[bzh362]

Both 1911 builders and matrix appear to be sold out of the decking jig. Anywhere else to get them?

[pklin1297]

Not that I'm aware of. Just keep watching matrix's site or contact them and ask them to let you know when they might have more.

[Andyman562]

Make sure to measure your jig and frame if you receive one... I decked my frame with the Matrix decking jig you have shown and it ended up letting me file below spec and measure at .340 from the top of the slide stop hole to the top of the jig. Matrix replaced my jig which clearly shows a large difference but getting the impression they won't replace the frame.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Sweet. Interested in seeing more pics and watching the progression.

[DSB]

I would love to build my own 1911, but I keep seeing contradictory opinions on the legality of 80% builds in 2016 in California. Am I stuck with building a break open single shot, or just drooling over the photos of others?

[pklin1297]

I've already completed one build with this decking jig, and the officer frame I finished decking above measured at 0.347" (0.340" - 0.348") so I'm pretty confident with this jig. Either way I measure before I start, during, and after I finish.

DSB, what you've read are exactly what you called it, opinions, because they're all based on each person's interpretations of the regulations. At the end, it'll be up to you how you want to read into the regulations and how you choose to follow them. In my opinion, you can definitely do an 80% build lawfully, but to what extend do you consider "lawful" is not up to us to tell you.

[tr6guns]

Make sure to measure your jig and frame if you receive one... I decked my frame with the Matrix decking jig you have shown and it ended up letting me file below spec and measure at .340 from the top of the slide stop hole to the top of the jig. Matrix replaced my jig which clearly shows a large difference but getting the impression they won't replace the frame.

Correct the Problem with a Shorter Link when fitting the Barrel #3 is standard,
so you may have to go to a #2 or #1. Just order the whole kit and choose which one fits...

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/682259/egw-barrel-link-kit-1911-pack-of-6

[pklin1297]

Andyman562, I've got extra shorter links I'll send you free if you want them. No sense wasting a good frame. PM me if you want them.

[Andyman562]

Thanks for the offer! Mosin has been very helpful with information and stated there would be more modification that would need to be done to make the frame work. 1911builders has been helpful and is replacing the frame.

Sorry for hijacking the thread! lol

Keep posting updates on your build! Saw on their Instagram they will be releasing more 3" and 3.5" 9mm officer kits shortly.