Checkering tools question

[henry1]

Hey all, I am thinking about getting a checkering kit from Midway but my knowledge of the subject is slim. This is the one that i was planning on getting. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=334299
Its 24 lines per square inch. What are your guys comments on this? Will this make it harder? Let me know I will appreciate it very much. Thanks!
Henry.

[iiranger]

Back when I was very young, I devoured everything Geo. Herter had to say, mainly 'cause it was free pretty much. He was a long winded old blow hard, but he was not "wrong" if you got thru the "wind." 24 lines to the inch is pretty but worthless for "grip." b). It takes mightly hard/good wood to hold this fine a checkering and not have all the points falling off as you cut. You got wood that good? He recommended 18 or 20 lines for grip... Layout is the big "critical" part. You have to have the lines "in line" when you cut them or you get a real mess. Maybe you can sand it off and start over. Maybe not. It is tedious work. I bought a tool and found a piece of scrap hard wood that I actually got a diamond on... Wasn't about to "muck up" a gun with my bumbling... Since, then "stippling" has come on. You are pressing a figure into the wood with a mallet. Not bad looking. Some better grip but nothing compares with a wrap of rubber. Real learning experience if you will. How good will it look? I quit before answering that question. Luck to you.

[gunnut69]

I would advise against 24 lines per inch. If buying a kit go with 20 lines per inch, fine enough to look nice and nearly any decent wood will hold the diamonds.. 22 works pretty good but you will have problems with some wood.. 18 lines per inch is pretty course but really lasts well and adds immensely to the stocks grip..

[henry1]

Hey thanks guys I am really greatfull for your help. I am going to get the 18 lines per inch and try that out. Prolly wont be for a while tho. I need to make sure i can afford it.

[howdy doody]

Not long ago I got the 3 tool set from Midway in 18 lines. I laid out a pattern with a ruler on scrap and went at it. They give you a plastic angle for the intersecting lines with a couple choices. The first thing I realized was that you need to measure exactly to have the lines filed come out even at the ends. Then I had a tendency to hit the outside of the pattern and it looked pretty bad. I practiced some more and things got better for me when I slowed down and measured with a caliper and a divider. Finally I took a chance and laid out a pattern on a Marlin forearm. I made some mistakes but it turned out OK but not as good as most. I touched it up here and there and stained it and oiled it and it looks pretty good for a utility rifle.
I don't think I will ever try doing it again though. That is just me, but that was my experience. I would have to say good looking checkering is an art form and I know now why it costs so much for it to be done.

[koginam]

Got to agree with the rest go with 20 lpi and practices on hard wood like walnut or maple soft wood is harder to do, and take your time prep is very important.  Also don't get discouraged it takes time but can add value and looks to your project. Having a light level or just above your cradel also helps.
Good luck

[gunnut69]

I should add that to use the tools to the best effect I strongly advise the Monte Kennedy book, 'Checkering and Carving Gunstocks'. It does a wonderful job showing and describing how checkering is done and gives the reader a look at some of the old masters.

[henry1]

Hey thanks guys! I have added the 18 peice set and the book to my wish list on midays site. LOL! I am going to give it a shot and see what i can do. Thanks for your guys help again!
Henry.