Checkering a stock

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anyone ever done this themselves? what tools are required, where do u get them, and how much r they?
also was wondering if a laminate stock can be checkered or is there a potential for splintering?
got any tips other than practicing on scraps?
thanks in advance for the help.
 
Yes many times over the years. I've never checkered a laminate but see no problem in doing so. I get my "Gunline" handles and cutters (actually more of a file) from Brownells - you can see the tools etc. in their on-line catalogue. I would suggest you start at about 18 lines per inch for your first attempt(s) - so you would need the appropriate spacing tool, at least 2 coarse cutters, at least 2 fine cutters, a border cutter and at least 4 handles. You can get the cutters in 60 degree for flat top checkering / 90 degree for the sharp pointed checkering - your choice, this would be a very basic set of tools to start with. The "difficult" steps in checkering are, not over-running the borders, cutting a straight line around a curve, keeping the tools a 90 degrees to the wood. Your diamonds should be twice as long as they are wide and finally PATIENCE & practise are very necessary. Where in S. Ont. I'm close to Sarnia --- John 303.
 
"...other than practicing on scraps?..." Hardwood scraps. Softwood isn't the same. It tears. Some industrial skids are hardwood and bits of 'em come off regularly. Cheap(usually free) source of practice scraps.
Checkering tools sets, sometimes, appear at gun shows, but go to Brownell's.
"...PATIENCE & practise are very necessary..." Yep. It's one of the few times that patience is a virtue.
 
HVH Enterprises in Winnepeg sell
the tools also.
Also stocks some parts for older guns, cooey's mossberg etc
Also has dealer discounts
204/255/8988
He use to be Banner spec. in the good old days
I would not practice on old pallets as old oak is
way to hard and splinter. try a old 22 or something .
 
The problem with checkering laminate is it breaks out if you use the hand tools to checker. You need a checker cutter and even with it, it will still break out more than solid walnut or other wood. Practice make perfect, There ar so many angles you need to try.

Hand cutters
Electric cutters
stocks jigs
sharpe knives

etc.
 
Pblatzz said:
The problem with checkering laminate is it breaks out if you use the hand tools to checker. You need a checker cutter and even with it, it will still break out more than solid walnut or other wood. Practice make perfect, There ar so many angles you need to try.

Hand cutters
Electric cutters
stocks jigs
sharpe knives

etc.
Click to expand...

That's why i asked, i could picture that happening. I guess i'll have to find something laminated, maybe i could practice on maple veneered plywood... what do u guys think?
 
Pblatzz said:
The problem with checkering laminate is it breaks out if you use the hand tools to checker. You need a checker cutter and even with it, it will still break out more than solid walnut or other wood. Practice make perfect, There ar so many angles you need to try.

Hand cutters
Electric cutters
stocks jigs
sharpe knives

etc.
Click to expand...

That's why i asked, i could picture that happening. I guess i'll have to find something laminated, maybe i could practice on maple veneered plywood... what do u guys think? ErikT had a good idea to get a couple stocks from junk bin but i doubt i'll find a laminate in there. thanks for the tips!
 
Try the junk stocks or get a pc of walnut. I tried to do laminate but ...wow, the factory checkering is deeper and less lines per inch, 20 lpi.

See this web site, Sherry Abraham worked for Dakota, Kimber, Cooper rifles and a few more. She has a note about laminates.

ht tp://www.checkering.com/

Pete
 
I really don't think laminates would be the best thing to start with... especially if it's a nice stock you had plans of checkering.

Ive been dabbling in it a few months now, and thankfully have a great teacher who taught me a lot. As someone mentioned, its all about patience and the borders... and the odd angles. Your first cut MUST be straight (double check it 20 times if need be) since it will determine the rest... and if its slightly off, the whole job will be VERY off by the end as the "slight" error just gets magnified with each line.

You can checker a huge area in a matter of hours, but it's the edges and finishing touches that take years to master.
 
checkering

Go ahead give it a try. First practice on an old stock if you can. I bought a stock cradle from Brownell's and that helps to ease the task.
Don't be in a rush and try to cut too deep at once. Work lightly and steady keep an eye on your alignment as you go over the curvature of the stock.
I have done about 10 and they have turned out pretty decent. You can also buy the Dem-Bart patterns from the same place. They apply the same way as model decals.
Don't let others who are afraid put fear in you, you can do it if you really want to.:runaway::runaway:
Good luck.:runaway:
 
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