Having been a woodworker for many years, I thought I would like to learn how to checker gun stocks. I have a number of old plain ones that I'd like to dress up a little. However, a trip to the local library turned up lots of books on gunsmithing, but zilch that covered checkering. Can anyone recommend a good available book for learning the basics, which tools are really needed, etc?
Checkering, a lot art?
- Thread starter Oldnamvet
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Bad Flynch
Member
Go to www.brownells.com and look for a book.
Boxerrider
Member
+1
Brownell's has a good selection of literature and tools.
I haven't done much of it but just like every other part of woodworking it takes practice to get the feel of it. I started with 20 lpi, most recommend 18. Grab some scraps and have at it.
Enjoy!
Brownell's has a good selection of literature and tools.
I haven't done much of it but just like every other part of woodworking it takes practice to get the feel of it. I started with 20 lpi, most recommend 18. Grab some scraps and have at it.
Enjoy!
dmarbell
Member
Checkering
"Do-It-Yourself Gunsmithing" by Jim Carmichel - An Outdoor Life Book. Harper & Row, Publishers, 1977. ISBN 0-06-010638-7. Available used on Amazon.com for $6.95 used, plus shipping.
I just happened to check this book out of our local library a couple of days ago. Part III covers Stock Decoration from pp. 155-219. There is also a section on Metalsmithing, with a chapter on Checkering Metal.
I noticed these chapters when looking through the book. I have no experience, nor current interest, in woodsmithing.
Danny
"Do-It-Yourself Gunsmithing" by Jim Carmichel - An Outdoor Life Book. Harper & Row, Publishers, 1977. ISBN 0-06-010638-7. Available used on Amazon.com for $6.95 used, plus shipping.
I just happened to check this book out of our local library a couple of days ago. Part III covers Stock Decoration from pp. 155-219. There is also a section on Metalsmithing, with a chapter on Checkering Metal.
I noticed these chapters when looking through the book. I have no experience, nor current interest, in woodsmithing.
Danny
dfariswheel
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Brownell's has a LOT of good info and all the tools.
They also have a VCR tape on checkering.
THE great classic is Monte Kennedy's "Checkering and Carving of Gunstocks".
This not only shows everything known about it, it also has full-sized patterns and techniques, tools, and distinctive styles done by other famous craftsmen.
Checkering, particularly in simpler styles is not hard, and is mostly learned by practice on scrap woods to learn the technique and skills.
Tooling can be fairly simple, and you don't need a big outlay in equipment.
Basically, a good Opti-Visor magnifier in your choice of focal length, a good adjustable bench light, some type of adjustable vise, and a minimum set of checkering tools in the lines-per-inch you want to work with.
Extras are a couple of wood "riffler" type needle files and a stiff toothbrush, and your good to go.
They also have a VCR tape on checkering.
THE great classic is Monte Kennedy's "Checkering and Carving of Gunstocks".
This not only shows everything known about it, it also has full-sized patterns and techniques, tools, and distinctive styles done by other famous craftsmen.
Checkering, particularly in simpler styles is not hard, and is mostly learned by practice on scrap woods to learn the technique and skills.
Tooling can be fairly simple, and you don't need a big outlay in equipment.
Basically, a good Opti-Visor magnifier in your choice of focal length, a good adjustable bench light, some type of adjustable vise, and a minimum set of checkering tools in the lines-per-inch you want to work with.
Extras are a couple of wood "riffler" type needle files and a stiff toothbrush, and your good to go.
Chawbaccer
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Another vote for Kennedy's book. I was told once that one of the best practice mediums for checkering was a wood toilet seat, because of the various curves.
wuchak
Member
Chawbaccer said:
I'll bet it hurts to sit on.
SigfanUSAF
Member
Yes, but in a sweaty, combat, SHTF situation, nothing beats a checkered toilet seat for that "non-slip" surface
Car Knocker
Member
If it's painted black.
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