Checkering files in Canada?

dad got a set of dembartco at an auction in a box lot - keep an eye on auctions or gun shows ... I had a hell of a time finding them and finally went and bought direct from dembart in the US

they did have a Canadian dealer at one point, but I can't find them ....

You have to call the guy (Walt) if you want anything to happen quickly (because he just does'nt)

Telephone: (360) 568-7356 | FAX: (360) 568-1798 | Customer Support: walt@dembartco.com
1825 Bickford Ave. Snohomish, WA 98290
 
Canadian distributor was in Winnipeg but closed shop a few years ago and has since passed away, I believe. If you are just cleaning up existing checkering you can do a lot with a good, small triangular needle file. Remove the wood finish first so it doesn't clog the file.
 
Son of a Woodcutter said:
Looking for a place to buy checkering files in Canada? The only ones that google would bring up are in the US. I want to clean up the checkering on an old SXS. Or anybody willing to part with some?
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Checkering files are more for metal than wood, eh?

Like was said, you can do a lot with a triangular needle file for 60 degree checkering, or a square one for 90 degree checkering. It's a patience game, you really need to take your time and not try too get it all done in one pass. That way lies misery! :)

You are likely better off buying a couple checkering tools and handles. If you are cheap, buy the tips, make handles out of some old screwdrivers.
 
trevj said:
Of course they do.

But you know... Gotta be someone from Canada! Because they didn't buy them from the same place in the States, and mark them up!
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not sure who actually manufactures them, but a couple years ago when I was looking no one had stock - as soon as walt got them in everyone had stock. I think (and this is just a guess) that he has them made (in China?) and only does a big order very infrequently ....

Brownells and Midway both have stock right now - you would be a couple bucks cheaper going through Walt anyway.

like I say - wild assed guess.
 
OP, you need to be careful when acquiring wood checkering tools. One thing many don't take into account is the "lines per inch of checkering" count.

For your purposes, you would likely do the intended job with a single edge cutter.

I'm not saying you can't do it but it's not as easy as it sounds or looks. YES you need some way to hold the stock at an angle that is easily accessible and with lots of light available. NO, you can't hold it by hand on your lap and do an acceptable job. Maybe, if you have one very small area. Also, trying to checker spots where the tops or all of the diamonds have been crushed or scraped/broken away need to be fille with a matching wood putty so they can be cut to match what you have.

As for cutters, local gunshops, such as Del Selin's in Vernon BC have them in stock. It's getting very difficult to find stock makers/smiths that will repair damaged checkering. It's tedious and there isn't any money to be made but a lot of time to fritter away with no return.
 
I have quite a few, Use a single for touch up and in tight spots, Winnipeg was the place, but as some said, that was years ago . He would send stuff out before payment.
Not many like that any more.
And as bearhunter said, no money in it, I just do it for my own stuff. They use to be quite cheap, you have to have extras as they wear out, O have sharpened them, but not really worth it.
Trade Ex does have one listed, P.H. I think. I just looks 10.oo under accessories , ist page, don't give much info, handle with cutter
BYW , when you but name brand , handles don't come with cutters. And checkering files are for steel, have one, don't remember where I found it years ago.
 
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I have bought my replacement cutters from brownells with no issues. However if you decide you like to checker take a look at Ullman precision products. He sells carbide tools that are unreal. I use them and they have changed the way I checker. Not cheap but quality usually isn't cheap. Enjoy your path it is very rewarding
 
bearhunter said:
OP, you need to be careful when acquiring wood checkering tools. One thing many don't take into account is the "lines per inch of checkering" count.

For your purposes, you would likely do the intended job with a single edge cutter.

I'm not saying you can't do it but it's not as easy as it sounds or looks. YES you need some way to hold the stock at an angle that is easily accessible and with lots of light available. NO, you can't hold it by hand on your lap and do an acceptable job. Maybe, if you have one very small area. Also, trying to checker spots where the tops or all of the diamonds have been crushed or scraped/broken away need to be fille with a matching wood putty so they can be cut to match what you have.

As for cutters, local gunshops, such as Del Selin's in Vernon BC have them in stock. It's getting very difficult to find stock makers/smiths that will repair damaged checkering. It's tedious and there isn't any money to be made but a lot of time to fritter away with no return.
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Excellent info. I have had some tips from some guys that I know, watched a few vids, Mid-way has a few great ones, and I am a woodworker so figured I would be in for a good shot :) A CGN user has contacted me with s starter kit that they may be looking to get rid of
 
Riflesmith said:
I have bought my replacement cutters from brownells with no issues. However if you decide you like to checker take a look at Ullman precision products. He sells carbide tools that are unreal. I use them and they have changed the way I checker. Not cheap but quality usually isn't cheap. Enjoy your path it is very rewarding
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Awesome thank you, I will look into it :)
 
trevj said:
Checkering files are more for metal than wood, eh?

Like was said, you can do a lot with a triangular needle file for 60 degree checkering, or a square one for 90 degree checkering. It's a patience game, you really need to take your time and not try too get it all done in one pass. That way lies misery! :)

You are likely better off buying a couple checkering tools and handles. If you are cheap, buy the tips, make handles out of some old screwdrivers.
Click to expand...

Are checkering files for steel? Somebody else mentioned this on page 2 as well.. Figured the checkering was in the wood? Maybe I am referring to it incorrectly
 
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