UPDATE:
Returned from the annual deer camp. All is well. We tagged out and nobody suffered any injuries of any kind.
The gunsmith did an excellent bedding job and included pillars. It's now time to sand and finish.
I am a little disappointed with Boyds' replacement stock. When I asked if I could get it 'unfinished', the answer was: "Yes, but you cannot get the laser checkering with an unfinished stock." I was ok with that. I can always checker it at a later date if I really want it. I did expect a credit for the deletion of the checkering ($62). Nope. Also, I ordered an end tip ($28) and grip cap ($28). End tip was as expected and should be, the grip cap was deformed where it was bumped one too many times with a sander and has a sloped area to the front edge instead of a consistent stepped edge like the rest of the cap. A minor thing, but something that QC should not have let out the door, IMHO. Two tries for this stock and the workmanship was less than should be expected for over $500. I will say, though, the figure on this piece is quite nice.
I began the sanding chores with 320 grit w/d sand paper and dry sanded the entire stock. Then raised the grain with a light dampening of the wood and letting it dry. Then progressed to 400 grit w/d/ sand paper and dry sanding. I raised the grain again and finished sanding with 600 grit w/d and dry sanding. I raised the grain one more time (hardly anything stood up) and went over the stock with a 00 grade synthetic pad. Wiped it down with a tack cloth to get all the sanding dust off and hit it again with a 0000 grade synthetic pad. Wiped it clean with the tack cloth again.
Next, I applied two coats of Teak Oil in accordance with the directions. It didn't completely fill the pores of the wood and it added quite a bit of dark to the wood. The Claro Walnut was already pretty dark, so I wasn't really appreciating this darkening. So, I decided to remove a coat of the Teak Oil by wet sanding it off using 600 grit w/d and mineral spirits. (That took a while!) And wiped it clean with a piece of an old cotton sheet with mineral spirits and then wiped that dry with a dry piece of the same cotton sheet.
Next, I applied a moderately heavy coat of Tung Oil lightly cut with mineral spirits (about 10%) and allowed to set on the wood for about 20 minutes and then lightly wiped the excess off and it is drying as I type this. I will allow the Tung Oil to cure for 24 hours and will coat it again. If the sheen is close to what I am looking for, I will stop there. I am wanting a semi-gloss / semi-satin sheen. A little on the glossy side will be ok, a little on the dull side will probably prompt me to apply another coat of Tung Oil.
I may eventually post a few photos. Be aware, though, I am a lousy photographer and the lighting in my shop area leaves a lot to be desired!
Oh, did I mention I misplaced the bottom metal?
Well, I did. I know I put it someplace where I would never lose it and now, true to form, I can't find it for the life of me! What a maroon!!
Off to the Numrich website and $27 later a replacement piece is on the way!
It is supposed to arrive Monday - just about the time the stock should be finished.
ETA: The truck was done when I returned to the tune of $992.99!
But it works now and is still cheaper than car payments!
That would really suck.
