BLO finish or Bedding first

[got to go]

I just finished stripping a new fore stock that I got from Numrich Gun Parts. New, but Dirty. Should I bed the action before or after finishing with BLO ??? Also I seem to remember hearing something about mixing Turpentine with BLO Any thoughts ?

 

[Tyler]

For a good bond with the wood and the bedding material, you don't want oil to get between them.

Clean the whole stock, and then clean and degrease where the bedding material will go. You want to remove any BLO or other assorted crud that is on your contact areas that could interfere with a good bond. You can degrease with alcohol or acetone, just keep it away from the outer surfaces if you want to keep the original finish intact.

Other than that, your bedding kit should have complete instructions.

Good luck.

 

[got to go]

Thanks for the reply. That's kinda what I was thinking. What is the best thing to coat the action with to keep it from sticking ??? I am thinking maybe Aero Paste Wax ?

 

[Tyler]

The M-14 guys swear by clear boot polish or PAM cooking spray... but it would probably be best to use whatever came with the kit.

What exactly are you bedding with anyway?

 

[got to go]

I haven't got a kit yet. What is the best thing to use for marking the high spots ?

 

[Tyler]

Anything that will leave a mark on the wood that is easily seen. Black shoepolish is an example.

As for the turpentine/BLO mixture, it helps with the absorbtion and drying time, but it stinks to high heaven.

 

[enefgee]

Also, be very careful with the rags used to apply BLO, if they're left rolled in a ball they can ignite make sure to flatten them out when you're done and don't pile them on top of each other!!

 

[got to go]

I put the fore stock on last night and I noticed the trigger was tight against the wood in the trigger channel. I guess I'll have to get the chisel out.