checkering cutters

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thejamie

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Hi, id like to try my hand at checkering. So my question is can anyone recomend a decent set of cutters for a beginner? Is brownells the only one in Canada to have them?... or better yet, does anyone have a used set they would part with.
thanks
Jamie
 
Not sure what you mean by ' cutters'.

Most beginners start off with checkering files. Never heard of HVH, perhaps oldstarfire could offer us a little more info on them. Brownells has them for sure but whether they're on the export approved list is hard to say.

The other option is an end mill cutter. Been a very long time but I seem to recall Foredom had a checkering cutter for their pencil grip grinding tools but can't find it anymore.

If you're just starting out, get a file or 2 and buy or make a guide. You can upgrade later.
 
MTLGUN is thinking Metal checkering which you do do with files or milling cutters. Checkering on wood is done with Dembart or similar cutters in multiline spacers and single line cutters. Brownells is indeed the main source.

Dr Jim
 
The best place to start is a good book. Brownells have all the tools you will need . I prefer Gun Line over the Dem Bart , but either will fill your needs . If you go ahead with your dream , get lots of spare cutters as they will get dull on you and need replacing. pm me if you want more info , I'd be glad to help.
 
I recommend the 90 degree cutters over the 60 degree and for a beginner practice first on a flat walnut board no finer than 22 lines per inch... when you can make that look good try it on a curved surface... then a stock
 
I tried it to for the first time a couple of months ago and really enjoyed it. My job doesn't look half bad either...

Bobfortier was kind enough to lend me his Dem-Bart, 20 TPI set. I you haven't done it already, you should really check Midway's video on checkering on youtube: very well done.

Good luck!
 
I have limited checkering experience but I did learn one key thing. It is kind of like driving a car, look where you are going not where you are, or you will be in the ditch.
 
I started with a Dem-Bart 18 lpi set and practiced lots before doing a gun stock, once I got good at 18 I moved on to 22 lines per inch, the more lines per inch, the harder it is to do a good job IMHO...practice lots before touching an expensive stock, you'll be happy you did.
 
MTLGUN said:
Not sure what you mean by ' cutters'.

Most beginners start off with checkering files. Never heard of HVH, perhaps oldstarfire could offer us a little more info on them. Brownells has them for sure but whether they're on the export approved list is hard to say.

The other option is an end mill cutter. Been a very long time but I seem to recall Foredom had a checkering cutter for their pencil grip grinding tools but can't find it anymore.

If you're just starting out, get a file or 2 and buy or make a guide. You can upgrade later.
Click to expand...

They don't need to be on any "list", as they aren't a gun part
 
And a reminder that if you want stuff exported by Brownells at all, you are best off not bothering with using the online shopping. Phone and talk to the real person!
The default answer online is "no export" but the Exports Desk does actually have a pretty solid handle on what they will send, as well as what paperwork and timelines you are looking at for it.


Cheers
Trev
 
Some good advice here, watch some U tube videos, get a book, buy "LOTS" of cutter heads, practice on scrape wood, etc. Forget borrowing peoples tools, buy your own tools, your not talking huge dollars here as the cutter handles are not hand crafted works of art from Germany. Purchase several cutter handles so you can change cutters without actually taking the cutters out of the tool handle. Start off recutting some existing checkering patterns on old guns that you can afford mistakes on. This will give you experience on the feel of the tool and cutters.

I haven't needed to buy stuff in many years as I don't do a lot of it and I have lots of different cutter configurations and sizes, but I used to buy directly from Dem-Bart. I would just call them and place the order. You got good advice and what you wanted without pi$$ing around with a computer, or some a$$hole at a retail store that knows nothing about checkering tools.

It is a great hobby to get into, very rewarding, I have been doing it for over 30 years. Does help when you have young eyes as now I have to use the magnifying lens with light which I never used to.
 
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Thanks guys, lots of good info. Books are ordered, but still need to find some tools that are "in stock", I guess they are popular.
thanks again
Jamie
 
Good for you.
Checkering stock wood isn't done with files. Certainly not with any rotary tool. It's done with special checkering tools. How-to books abound.
Brownell's isn't in Canada. No export rules for tools, so you can buy 'em Stateside with no fuss. Epp's sometimes has tools like that though. See if you can find some scrapped hard wood furniture or a door to learn on. A hard wood skid/pallet will do, but would require finishing. Think second hand furnitire shop or a Habitat for Humanity Re-store.
 
sunray said:
... Certainly not with any rotary tool....
Click to expand...

Yes, also with a rotary tool !

MMC or Doiron rotary hand checkering pieces, driven by a Foredom flex-shaft motor. Doiron makes replacement carbide rotary cutters, both 75 & 90 degree.
A little pricey for the novice ... a bit over a grand for Checkering head, adapter & Foredom tool. And no, a Dremel doesn't have the guts to do it.

Besides Dembart, Gunline & Doiron make good checkering tools.

Bent needle files or "rifflers" are often used to "point-up" new & clean up old checkering. A little chisel can be used too, called a "veiner".

All available from Brownell's.

You can get walnut pieces & blocks to practice on from Lee Valley or a specialty lumber dealer.
 
Yes the rotary tool is available and does work. I bought one a year ago. Speeds up lay out and speeds up screw ups!!! I purchased it from Doiron. I have since attempted to order his carbide hand cutters. He sent me an order confirmation and almost a year later I have yet to see the product. He isnt returning calls so I can't comment on the quality of product. As has been mentioned purchase lots of cutters as a sharp tool is a necessity. Checkering is very rewarding so go slow and enjoy the creative process.
 
Ive been looking at a couple sets of cutters myself, its something I want to try out on a couple stocks. Lots of good info here, thanks.
 
Williams Arms in Port Perry Ont. orders from Brownell's regularly and doesn't charge that much more than book price. That's where I ordered my Denbart set from.
Scott....
 
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