OK, I'm trying to restore an Enfield No. 1 Mark III* (1918 vintage) that I bought at an auction. Bubba went after the stock, but luckily the metal is all correct (and matching #s). I bought a "new" stock off eBay, with almost all the correct hardware (lacking a couple screws, yet) to make it correct again. I stripped and cleaned the stock, and there are the usual dents and dings. There's only one really bad gouge, that I'll have to fill somehow.
But, there's lots of light dents that I am trying to repair...I've tried steaming (multiple times) and they just don't wanna budge. I've steamed stocks (and antique furniture) before with good results, but its not working here. (These are truly dents, the wood fibers are not broken.)
Any one have any different ideas about how to raise these? I'm about to just start sanding, as none are very deep (maybe 1/16"), and while I might not get them "perfect" I could make them much less noticable. But I really don't wanna do more than light sanding.
P.S. Anyone know what kinda wood this might be? After stripping its very light in color, almost blond, so I'm thinking its probably birch?
But, there's lots of light dents that I am trying to repair...I've tried steaming (multiple times) and they just don't wanna budge. I've steamed stocks (and antique furniture) before with good results, but its not working here. (These are truly dents, the wood fibers are not broken.)
Any one have any different ideas about how to raise these? I'm about to just start sanding, as none are very deep (maybe 1/16"), and while I might not get them "perfect" I could make them much less noticable. But I really don't wanna do more than light sanding.
P.S. Anyone know what kinda wood this might be? After stripping its very light in color, almost blond, so I'm thinking its probably birch?