Author Topic: Checkering Project  (Read 1041 times)

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Offline panhandle

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Checkering Project
« on: February 06, 2007, 08:20:59 AM »
I have 8 rifles that need checkering and I've decided that I will do them myself. 4 walnut and 4 laminate. I have 2 old bolt action 22s that I will practice on before I attempt the good stuff. I have purchased Kennedy's checkering book, 1 3/4x OptiVISOR and a Miles Gilbert checkering cradle. Now, what other items do I need. Not going to try any fancy patterns, the Ruger styles will work well for my needs. Are the Kits the way to go or should the tools be purchased individually? I don't want to purchase things that I won't ever use. Could you give me some advise and maybe list the tools that I will need?

Panhandlepr

Offline ken2222

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Re: Checkering Project
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2007, 07:35:06 AM »
I sure hope this topic takes off....I'm interested in getting into it too.... ;D  c'mmon guys...there must be plenty of this goin' on out there...somewhere!
Ken

Offline gunnut69

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Re: Checkering Project
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2007, 10:13:40 AM »
If you've read the book the process is fairly simple. I take a piece of paper and hold it wrapped around the forearm and use a pencil to take a rubbing. Be ssure to include a couple of stationary point, front of bottom metal inletting, front sling stud hole, etc. and of course the top edges of the forearm. I trace over the pencil with a fine line pen to make the permanent marks. The paper outide the stock edges is removed and the edges brought together to create a centered fold which will be used as the centerline of the pattern. A pattern is then drawn on one half of the paper. after cleaning the pattern half and getting just right fold the pencil crawn pattern half with the checkering design along the centerline so that it faces or touches the blank half of the pattern. Place the folded pattern on a hard flat surface and firmly rub with a smallish rounded tool, I use the rear end of a SS table knife..wife is not aware of that, and lets keep it that way.. The graphite of the pencil marks will transfer to the blank paper and the entire pattern can be traced ith ink to stop ruboff. The masterlines or the lines you will begin the checkering process from are drawn at this time. They have to be straight and it will be your most difficult job to keep them that way as the travel around the forearm and its differing curves. A simple 4 panel job(one on each side of the foreamr and each side of the pistol grip) is easiest because there are fewer curves to manuever around.. Even if doing a 4 panel job the forearm panels should be done as described to keep their relative positions correct and I like the be certain the masterlines cross both panels. It lends the uniformity we're striving for. I have to stop now but if this helped we can continue with a description of how I do the grip panels.. Please note I don't claim this is the right way, it is however my way and works for me.. Others will likely have they're own way and I'm certain they work also.. You will have to choose..
gunnut69--
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Offline Bill Soverns

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Re: Checkering Project
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2007, 11:37:17 AM »
The dembart starter set from brownells or midway should get you headed in the right direction.  I would get the 20 lpi set.  20 LPI looks nice and its not too difficult.  It also means you wont have to go over those lines a bazillion times like you would with 16 or 18lpi.

As far as layout goes.  Ive used templates or copied patterns from other stocks in the past but I found it easier to just draw the pattern on the stock.  Particularly with point patterns.  Since you read the book you know that point patterns are generated from two master lines.  Getting those straight and in the right spot is the key to the whole process.  Make yourself a paper diamond in whatever dimension you like.  I use 3 to 1.  That book has some good instructions on exactly what Im talking about. 
Bill

Offline Devy55

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Re: Checkering Project
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2007, 06:23:32 AM »
This is a good thread.  I got some checkering books for Christmas, and have been wanting to try my hand at it also.

I'm glad someone asked the question, because I didn't know what tools to purchase either.

What about the cradle?  Are there differences between them?  Must you buy them, if so what's the cost and where do you get them?  Can they be built in a home workshop?

Thanks.