k-31 Beech Stock finish?

LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1

LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1

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Picked up a Beech Stocked K31 the other day. one thing I noticed was a stock looked a little bit worn, not too dinged up but just rough looking. I was wondering what the standard finish that would be used to maintain the stocks might be? I have read BLO or Shellac. Anyone want to recommend some basic, correct maintenance for the stock?

Thanks.
 
I used furniture stripper on mine to remove the shelac.

Steamed out the dents that could be brought out

Lightly sanded with some 220 to remove the whiskers

6 coats of tru oil (fine steel wool between coats and tack cloth between each coat)





The stock is not perfect by any stretch but definitely more respectful and took down some of the chew marks. It also is less of that yellowy colour and I think the grain shows a bit better
 
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LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1 said:
Picked up a Beech Stocked K31 the other day. one thing I noticed was a stock looked a little bit worn, not too dinged up but just rough looking. I was wondering what the standard finish that would be used to maintain the stocks might be? I have read BLO or Shellac. Anyone want to recommend some basic, correct maintenance for the stock?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

BLO for walnut, shellac for beech.

tac
 
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Check with DIOPTER for the actual formulas for the stock finish on the Swiss Rifles. I have them recorded, but I am not on my home computer where they are. Go to "Swissrifles.com" and you can find the original formulas there.

While BLO will do a nice job, it is not the original finish used. If your intention is a better looking stock, without regards to the future Collectors value of your rifle, then BLO or Shellac works well.
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Managed to access my home computer.

Formula for Walnut

30% Turpentine
30% Linseed Oil
30% Fruit (Wine) Vinegar
10% Beeswax

Put mixture in a plastic bottle. Put bottle in hot water (65 degrees Celcius) for 15 minutes until beeswax dissolves then apply with a piece of cloth


Formula for Beech

45 % Denatured Alcohol (95% Alcohol)
45% Shellac Flakes
10% Paraffin Oil ( ? same a Kerosene in North America ?)

Strip the Shellac from the old stock using 95% Alcohol and fine steel wool. Apply with cloth starting at the top.

As you can see, Linseed Oil was used for Walnut, and Shellac was used for the Beech stocks, but other ingredients were added.
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Did one of my beech K31 with Shellac.
Follow the formulas Buffdog posted.

Dark water damage is the worst to deal with in the beech stocks.

 
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How much time do you want to spend on it?
Shellac comes off with alcohol, as I recall. Doesn't provide much protection either.
 
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