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Military Firearm Restoration Corner

Checkering Lay Outs


Brenden

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I've broadened my horizons’ and started in on checkering gun stocks. All I've done thus far is practice on military stocks; you don't really think I'd touch a sporter do you? I'm far from perfect, or good for that matter.

 

Anyway, I'm looking for patterns to transfer to my stocks. Nothing fancy or complicated, just simple patterns. Do you gentlemen find your lay out patters on the net or make your own? If you know of any places on the net, please post a link. Also, any helpful tricks of the trade would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Brenden

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Brenden, I used to do my own checkering, but now my hands are too shaky, eyes too weak, neck too sore and disposition too crabby. Good you learn while you are young.

 

There was a place or two that sold premade patterns, but there was always a problem of some kind fitting them, so I always made my own.

 

1. All grip patterns are based upon some partial circle. I soon discovered that the kitchen was full of circular things; plates, pots, jars, cups, etc and I could try them out until I found the right circumference for the upper and lower radii (they won't be the same) and lay them out on paper and cut them out when satisfactory. Scotch tape them in place on the stock and first pencil, then use a blade to trace the outline onto the stock. Once the outline is in place start filling it in. If you are going to put a border on it, do that after the checkering is all done - will cover the booboos. Most folks don't like borders anymore. Use the same pattern on both sides, don't try to make two (one for each side).

 

2. All forearm patterns are based on triangles or rectangles, even if you are doing fleur d'lis. Experiment with different triangle patterns until you find what fits well and you like. You may also find a need for diamond patterns, but they are just double triangles.

 

Good luck, let us know how it goes. Never, never hurry or work at it too long!

 

Brad

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monte kennedy's book on gunstock checkering and carving is well worth investing in if you have even a passing interest in checkering. there are a myriad of patterns and the information is really invaluable.

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I make my own pattern right on the stock prior to filling it in with checkering. I stay simple using only one master angle to get me started and that master angle defining the initial cut to which all other cuts will be parallel. The rest of the pattern is a form (think of a recepticle or vessel) to be filled in by successive cuts parallel to the master angle. Notice in the two attached pictures the green angle that identifies the master angle; the red lines that identify the first cuts, and the rest of the pattern (not colored) that is the form or vessel to be filled in with cuts following the master angle.

 

This approach is very forgiving and I would recommend you start with simple. Be aware that master angle is such that the diamonds will be 3-3.5 times longer than they are wide. The only "pattern" I use is a "checkering gauge" made by the Dem-Bart checkering Tool Co. I use it to define the master angle - that's all. It's a simple flexible, plastic gauge with the appropriate master angles defined. http://www.dembartco.com/products1.htm

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Thanks Bob. I realized last night that instead of jumping in with both feet, I need to forget what I think I know and read up on this a little bit more. Thank you for your advise, thats pretty simple and straight foward. I have a checkering gauge that came with my kit, I can't remember if mine is a dem-bart or what brand tools I have, I know they were cheap that way if I decided I didn't like trying checkering, I wasn't out much.Thanks again.

 

Brenden

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  • 11 months later...

hey guys I have a question may sound dumb but I'm just working on my first build so... Should checkering be done before the finish is applied or after and then touch up the checkered areas?

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Brendon, I have Traister's PROFESSIONAL CARE & FINISHING OF GUNSTOCKS if you would like to borrow it. It has section on checkering stocks. I believe I used to have Kennedy's book, but I can't find it and will keep looking.

 

But here is one on eBay.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Checkering-Carving-Gunstocks-Monty-Kennedy-/130470497366?pt=US_Nonfiction_Book&hash=item1e60a5cc56

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Brendon, I have Traister's PROFESSIONAL CARE & FINISHING OF GUNSTOCKS if you would like to borrow it. It has section on checkering stocks. I believe I used to have Kennedy's book, but I can't find it and will keep looking.

 

But here is one on eBay.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Checkering-Carving-Gunstocks-Monty-Kennedy-/130470497366?pt=US_Nonfiction_Book&hash=item1e60a5cc56

 

Thank you Sailormilan for the offer. I would take you up on it, but I'm just wierd about borrowing someones items for fear something would happen to it. I placed that book on e-bay on my watch list; I will be the high bidder!

 

Being a recent graduate from college, as well as being unemployed for now, I will have time to read over this book and start back into checkering. So far I've enjoyed my time off, have been working on a 8mm-06 build that is nearing completion, so the checkering book will keep me entertained for a little while!

 

Thanks again

 

Brenden

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