Lee Enfield No 4 MK I restoration project.

[adanacdjm]

Ok so I've taken the plunge and decided I would do a rebuild of a Lee Enfield. Starting with a No 4 MK I - I have two pretty close to complete bores/receivers/bolts/trigger guards etc. these are the bottom 2 on the first picture. I've yet to pick which one to use but hopefully when I get to the point of deciding the experts will have provided input. I have at present one complete No 4 MK I stock set but it seemed to be mismatched and the colours were varying. The second picture us what I started with. I've stripped it down and it's currently hanging up to dry. There are no cracks but a few minor gouges that I would like to fill .


I need some guidance on how to fill these small holes. A couple are shown in picture 5 and 6. Do I just go out and buy wood filler and add some dust from a light sanding? Once I start applying the BLO will it blend with the filler do as to hide the work? That's my next step so any input would be appreciated.

Kind regards,
Dave

 

[LawrenceN]

I don't know how you stripped the finish from the wood, but that's a most odd colour. I've done several restorations and you'll no doubt hear from the others who have done many more than I. Personally, I never use commercial paint stripper or ez off or any of that kind of acidic gunk. With the holes and gouges, try a very damp cloth and a steam iron. Put the wet cloth on the gouge, apply the steam iron until the cloth dries and repeat. Depending on your time and patience, the heat and moisture will bulk out the wood cells and cause them to swell. When you sand the stock prior to re-finishing the worst of the flaws will be lessened. I wouldn't use any fillers as they really "pop" when you finish the stock. Good luck on your project.