Dent removal on stock

[dfaugh]

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?

 

[gamachinist]

Since you have done steaming before,
I'll hazard a guess that the finish or oil isn't allowing the water into the pores to let it do it's work when it expands.
If it is oil soaked,you'll need to soak the area with acetone or bleach and get the oil out enough to allow the water in.

 

[Sheldon]

I bought a Scuncci steamer used and it worked pretty good the type of dents you're describing. It shoots a pretty strong jet of steam onto a small spot and surates the spot with hot steam/water. I think it's better than the wet rag and iron/soldering iron trick.

 

[Chawbaccer]

You can maybe take a pin or a needle or such and prick a series of small holes over the dents, that will allow the steam to penetrate easier.

 

[dfaugh]

99.9999999% sure there's no oil/finish left in/on the wood...Used the "oven cleaner/hot sun" method...nothing comes out when its heated...

Needles...good idea...I have some fine hypodermic needles around that I use to give my dogs shots, kept a couple thinking they might come in handy someday (like now!)

 

[Chawbaccer]

Not the needle I meant, but go for it. Maybe you can inject a bit of water right into the dent.

 

[Plink]

You might try wetting the wood itself. If it won't absorb water, it's probably not going to take in steam either. If you can get the wood damp, heat should make it steam from the inside and that should raise them. I've had to do that in the past. Good luck.