History of BLO and Tung Oil on Military Stocks

[Blackcloud6]

Here's a great link to info on use of BLO and Tung Oil on US Military stocks:

http://www.jouster.com/Bulletin/TUNG.htm

Its by Dick Culver.

For techinques for refinishing see:

http://www.jouster.com/Bulletin/refinishing.htm

 

[Cosmoline]

Thanks! I've been using Tru-Oil myself. How much more difficult is BLO to deal with?

PS, I love the bit about the tung tree national defense reserves.

 

[Gewehr98]

Boiled Linseed Oil requires patience...

Which is why Birchwood Casey's Tru-Oil, Watco's Danish Oil, and the polyurethane finishes are so popular.

I'm not happy with my hand-rubbed linseed oil finishes until about a month after I start the process. I don't make my restorations shiny, but they do look deep, and warm. I got the time, and the steel wool.


My last restoration project, 1943 AG42B Swedish Ljungman:

 

[Blackcloud6]

BLO is easy to work with. Just put some on a rag and rub it into the stock. You have to do it every now anf then though.

You must dispose of the rags properly or they can ignite by themselves if you thrugh them in a waste can...

 

[Tropical Z]

BLO's fine,and as above be careful about the rags you use.I've had nice results on old Turk mausers that were sanded and coated with several coats of boiled linseed oil.

 

[Dave P]

Gewehr98, nice job! I have been using TruOil recently. It applies very easily, and dries fast even in the FL humidity. Ends up pretty glossy, but that can be knocked off with steel wool, or even a coat of floor wax.
And don't hesitate to try steaming out dents in those old stocks - it is also very easy.

 

[Gewehr98]

That Ljungman got plenty of the steam treatment.

Bought my wife a new iron, as a matter of fact, to replace the one I "borrowed" from her.

 

[Ledbetter]

Thrift store saves marriage.

Bought an iron at the thrift store for the purpose of heating parts (for Blue Wonder Gun Blue Kit) and steaming dents. Thrift store is a great place to get containers, irons, "work desk/bench," tools, etc, for home projects. Or old suitcases for tool storage. Got a brand new Samsonite suitcase for $8 last time.