Stock checkering tools and where to buy them.

mikeystew

mikeystew

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I'm looking to refurbish the checkering in an old stock I have. Being a complete noob at checkering I'm hoping someone can tell me what basic tools I need to do this. It's a small area and I don't mind going one line at a time but I'm not sure if the LPI ratio applies to single line cutters also in regards to the angle...? The checkering is 20 LPI. Any advice is welcome advice.

Also where can I get the tools from? New or used? Anyone want to sell me some? ;)
 
If all you want to do is "refresh", get a single line 90degree cutter and go slow with light pressure until you understand how it is going to cut. Practise a bit on a hardwood block to get the procedure down. There are LOTS of books on checkering -- but it ain't simple or easy!
Dr J
 
the file set i bought has a 90 deg riffle file that seems to work good on a piece of oak test wood. Maybe not as aggreassive as a proper single line cutter, but maybe thats not a bad thing.
 
When I redid some checkering I used a single line cutter (fine). The LPI doesn't come into play with the single cutters.

I've since gotten the files you speak of and I think a single cutter would be the way to go for following existing checkering.

Going over existing checkering is a great introduction to the process and allows you to get a feel for the tools without having to think too much about the pattern / layout.
 
id recommend using the proper tool. if the checkering is set in a fair amount, you are more than likely going to scar the stock around the checkering using the file.

brownells, dixie gunworks, track of the wolf. ellwood epps has some i think.
 
All is going well. I got the hang of it using the needle files quickly and the cuts are looking great! I plan on taping off the grips and refinishing the entire stock when im done anyways so I'm less worried about the area around the checkering than I would be otherwise.
 
You pretty much have to watch your angles with the files. A 90 degree checker use a square file, a 60 degree one, use a triangular file.

If you do some digging, you can find some of the old articles that show how to make your own checkering tools, mostly using just a few files and some high carbon steel wire or rod stock. Some of the tools allow you to straighten out a wayward line, something that a file is not so useful for.

Gunstock Checkering and Carving, by Monty Kennedy is one really good book!

I found that I had to do the touch-ups that I did, piecemeal, or I would start to hurry and run over the edges. Set it aside and came back to it, and the jobs turned out OK.

DemBart checkering tool tips are about $5 each. A couple minutes with a hacksaw, and a boogered up screwdriver becomes a new checkering tool handle.

Cheers
Trev
 
A triangular needle file works great for cleaning up old checkering. I found it was easier to work up to the pattern edges if a half inch was broken of the tip of the file. The blunt tip seemed to follow the old grooves more easily than the fine point
 
When I recut or clean up old checking I use 2 dembart single cutters one set to cut on push the other to cut on pull. If you watch what you are doing and take a break when you get tired it is easy to get great results. Good luck and add pics
 
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