Wood Checkering tools

ebay is a good source but as always you have to be careful.have you done any checkering? it can be much more of a ##### than finding the tools;)
 
I tried finding a web site for HVH but came up with nothing. Would be nice to shop here in Canada but not sure what they sell. If someone has a link to their site would be appreciated. I have been buying my checkering cutters from brownells otherwise.
 
If you haven`t tried checkering yet make sure you are a calm type of person with a lot of patience. Personally i wouldn`t try, you can`t weld up your mistakes and start over.
 
There is some good info in Kennedy's book on Gunstock Checkering and Carving, on making your own tools. Some high carbon steel, a set of needle files, and yer off to the shop.

The book is still available, IIRC, Track of the Wolf shows it in stock.

Cheers
Trev
 
Dem bart

Brownells sell tools from Dembart but I believe you can buy directily from Walt McVEy at Dem-bart yourself.
I have used his tools and European oil finish for years. You will have many lpi choices (lines per inch) but just starting I believe 18 is good. 24 lpi is difficult for a newcomer. he can get you started for you will need more than just the checkering tools.
Good luck
 
I think the best single bit of advice I got from the Kennedy book was to always keep in your head that it is not a one step process. You start your pattern on a good foundation, you establish your lines, fix any errors, etc., then deepen the pattern in several stepped passes to arrive at the depth you wish.

There have been several good checkering cradle designs published, that are cheap enough to make that they should be a no-brainer. The most recent published set of plans I am aware of, was in Home Shop Machinist magazine, in conjunction with an article on making a double rifle from a shotgun. It looked to be pretty much the same as the one published by the folks from Popular Mechanics (I think) many years ago, when such was done and accepted.
Checker your own Gunstock by Clyde Lammey is the article. You can see it on Google Books. I found it searching "Checkering Cradle Plans Popular Mechanics" and it was one of the first results.

Cheers
Trev
 
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I used needle files

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you can get them from most auto suppy/acklands grainger type places.
they worked great for refinishing old checkering, but i dont know if id use them for new cuts.

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I ordered Dembart checkering starter kit through William's Arms(Port Perry,Ont.)(905)985-8884. I beleive they ordered it from Brownells. Was somewhere around $60 for the kit. John would probably send it to you if it's easier.Shipping wouldn't be that much . I was told to start with 18 lpi and work up to the finer patterns. Unfortunatly I've been really busy and haven't had a chance to do anything yet.
 
Dembart Tools make checkering tools - go to their website and read all about their products and how to use them. Decide what you need. Then contact HvH Enterprises in Winnipeg and order what you need - they have it all and some stuff is on sale right now. They are a one-man shop so call Mon - Fri. They are very helpfull.
HvH Enterprises
14 Wakopa Place
Winnipeg MB R2M 5H1
Phone 204 - 255 - 8988
 
When I started checkering I used a set of riffle files and a press checkered stock. The lines are already set and all you have to do is deepening them.
If you do a pretty good job on it and your stock isn't in ten pieces from smashing over a big rock, then buy a set of checkering tools.
Once you start checkering don't expect to start it and finish in the same day. It's a slow job and it has to be to get it right.
But practice on some blocks of wook first until you get the feel of it. Then start a stock.
 
Suggestion for getting started checkering - get an old stock that already has the checkering laid out but have been worn down. Bring the old checkering "back to life" - serves two purposes - makes the stock look good AND you get some good practice.
 
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