unless you want to get a specialized file (they make them just for checkering), you might be best to just mask them off and try to blend the two areas....
Excellent. Bookmarked for reference. ThanksThis is everything you ever wanted to know
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=275
R
tape off the checkering with painter's tape so that it doesn't get damaged as you sand. Finish it off afterwards, once all the sanding is done.
I have not read all 4 pages of this post, but my 2cents, Why are you doing this?
A new gun, Steam will not work on this stock.
If you are wondering about rain , just give it a coat of oil, if none soak in the stock is sealed.
If you don't like the look,give it a couple of coats over the original finish.
I you want to strip the checkering, use old tooth brushes to clean the stripper /old finish out.
If you sand the checkering, it will look like hell, then you will have to take up checkering /recutting.
You can not steam out checkering that is cut , and that is what you have
This is everything you ever wanted to know
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=275
R
sand the old finish off lightly, don't get carried away and start sanding into the original wood. Use a Water base stain the same color of your wood. Oil base stain Hides the natural look of the wood, & Water base Enhances it. Guitars are all done this way. It really makes the grain Stand out.
If you just True-oil over an aged or dull finish ,..your end result will be Blurred.
Be smart when sanding...Follow THE Grain. Never kriss-cross or you'll have a checker board finish.
Apply the True oil 1 coat at a time. Once in the morning and 1 at night.
After you get 6 coats on..wet sand the stock with 1000 grit WET sand paper till all the little nibs are flush.
Apply 4 more coats then wet sand with 1500 Wet sand paper.
Then use Automotive Cutting & polishing compound. Then rub down with car wax. It will look like GLASS !!
Here is a few stocks I colored and oiled using this method
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I found it at Cabela's.