To Tru Oil, or to not, Tru Oil... That is the question!

[jimmyraythomason]

I read advice not to use oils on gun stocks. They will become tacky. He says wood needs nothing but wax.

I would say that is very poor advice. Wax is good to protect a finish but is worthless as a finish. BTW, link doesn't work.

 

[Mike Kerr]

Mike,

I reviewed all your pictures. Very impressive work on the sanding detail. Very meticulous detailing.

I have used Richard's Microfit stocks with Tru Oil with good results. Plus I have observed several stocks finished by a true " gifted one" with Tru Oil which were Richards as well. Based on the grain that I observed in your pictures - your finished stock could be really outstanding. You might surprise yourself on the "depth" of color which can be produced from a 20+ coat Tru Oil job. Good Luck. You appear to have the patience.

Regards,



Good Luck

 

[aka108]

Homer Formby's tung oil isthe best I've found for stock finishing. You can get a shine on it that will want you to wear sunglasses if looking at it in the dark or dull it down to absolutely no shine what-so-ever. It is also a durable finish. With just a little experimentation you'll be able to get the finish to do whatever you want.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

With just a little experimentation you'll be able to get the finish to do whatever you want.

This is also true for Tru-Oil or any other oil or polymer finish. Wood preparation and application techniques are more important than the actual product being used.

 

[stchman]

I use boiled linseed oil on all the stocks I re-finish.

They all turn out real nice and the wood is smooth and protected. I usually apply about 5 coats with some 0000 steel wool to give it a nice smooth shiny look.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Always be absolutely certain that the finish is DRY before using the 0000 steel wool! If it is even slightly "tacky" you will wind up with a mess that will take hours to fix.

 

[mickeydim468]

You appear to have the patience.

Appear is the key word in that sentence. LOL

I am so anxious to be holding the completed stock in my hand and rubbing it gently to feel its smooth contours under my touch. I can barely contain myself. I asked my wife tonight if she thought it looked good enough. She said "What do you think?" Then she said. "What does the directions say?" I told her 4 coats. She said "Well, how many do you have now?" I said 6. She said "Keep going... You need at least 10 more coats!"

After picking my jaw up off the floor, I asked her why. She said. "You won't be happy with at least 4 times the recommended amount, you want it pretty right?" She is right. So I tredge on! Sheesh! I get no respect!

Mike

 

[mickeydim468]

Thanks Mike for the kind words about the sanding detail. For my first woodworking job... I thought it would be harder, but I am really glad it wasn't!

Mike

 

[mickeydim468]

Thanks everyone else too!!! I appreciate your comments and recommendations. I am learning a lot.

Speaking of my wife... I told her I would fix the 2 errors on this stock when I do the next stock because I don't want to waste $25.00 for another bedding kit and only use a few drops of bedding compound. Logical right.

She asked which rifle I was going to re-stock. I said... the M1917, and then the .243. She just gave me that look. I grinned and she turned around and went into the house. I said... "Love you Honey!" she said "Mmmm Hmmmm!"

Do you guys ever get that?

Mike

 

[fireman 9731]

Always be absolutely certain that the finish is DRY before using the 0000 steel wool! If it is even slightly "tacky" you will wind up with a mess that will take hours to fix.

+100,000,000!

I found that out the hard way:banghead:

I am so anxious to be holding the completed stock in my hand and rubbing it gently to feel its smooth contours under my touch. I can barely contain myself. I asked my wife tonight if she thought it looked good enough. She said "What do you think?"

Whoa... thought I was reading a cheesy romance novel there for a second!

 

[mickeydim468]

Whoa... thought I was reading a cheesy romance novel there for a second!

LOL... Sorry, got a little carried away I guess!