Trenchgun stock resto

[ollie]

Hi folks

I got my 1897 trenchgun this weekend, and the stock is pretty rough. It looks like someone tried to strip it with a spoon(?!), as some of the finish is missing and there are slight bruises running down the butt from the offending instrument. I think it is restorable, maybe some steaming to get the bruising out, and some fresh BLO. Maybe chemical stripper to get the old stuff off? NO SANDING! Don't wanna be bubba. I know many of you have done this in the past, please pass on some pointers!

 

[y2k]

Circa 1850 works good. apply it and then cover with plastic for 10 or so minutes and use steel wool to remove old finish. Hope this helps, and lets see some before and after pics.

 

[Claven2]

Circa is OK, Poly Suppa Strippa in gel formulation is better. Apply, wait 10 mins, and wipe off with a rag. Repeat IF necessary.

Then you can re-apply an oil finish.

 

[ollie]

I tested a small spot on the stock with Poly Strippa, and it worked well. I plan on BLO-ing it, but before I do that, I'd like to try and raise some of the bruising. Anyone steamed out dents before? How do ya do it?

I'd post some pics, but my digi went swimming after a great day of fishing(and barley sandwiches)

 

[J.P.]

Steaming dents is easy. Take the best heiloom quality peice of cloth you can find (better if Grandma crocheted it with love) And get it wet. Wring out the excess water and place it over the dent. Press a hot clothes iron against the damp fabric. go slow and check the results of what is happening. A dent with torn wood fibers will not come out completely, but you can improve it. Do not saturate the wood with moisture. If you are worried about trying this just hit grandma's antique coffe table with a hammer and practice on that first. She won't mind.