What should I get to get started checkering stocks?

[22cf45]

I would say one of the most important things to have on hand if you are going to checker is a large bottle of whiskey. Brand is your choice.
Phil

[6.5X284ever]

If any of you guys run across any "Dem Barts Continental style stock and checkering oil", I would gladly buy a few ounces from you. I use this when the checkering on my nicer walnut stocks start to look "dry". I had a small jar, which probably would have lasted the rest of my life, but I recently dropped and shattered it. I have looked and looked online, but cannot find any. Have tried to contact Dem Bart's directly without any luck.

[ulav8r]

Seek and ye shall find:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2031232978

https://homesteadparts.com/shop/stoc...0z-p-2312.html

https://www.usgundepot.com/us-specif...-finishes.html

[waksupi]

If any of you guys run across any "Dem Barts Continental style stock and checkering oil", I would gladly buy a few ounces from you. I use this when the checkering on my nicer walnut stocks start to look "dry". I had a small jar, which probably would have lasted the rest of my life, but I recently dropped and shattered it. I have looked and looked online, but cannot find any. Have tried to contact Dem Bart's directly without any luck.

When I had checkering to finish, I just used the same finish that was used on the rest of the rifle. It can be thinned a bit if needed. You may just need some stock wax. The Birchwood Casey stuff works well, and is pretty much the same as renaissance wax, without the big expense. Apply, and work in with an old toothbrush, or your wife's.

[bgmkithaca]

Does anyone know of a source for Dem Bart cutters? Everywhere that I have checked shows out of stock and have for at least three years.

[JDHasty]

Does anyone know of a source for Dem Bart cutters? Everywhere that I have checked shows out of stock and have for at least three years.

Doesn't Steve Earl make cutters for Dem Bart tools?

[Clint Meier]

I believe that the cutters made by Ullman Precision will also fit the Dem-Bart handles, and yes Steve Earl's cutters will also fit. Brownells, in Iowa, used to sell Dem-Bart and Gun Line checkering tools and Dem-Bart is no longer listed at all, and Gun Line shows out of stock on everything. I know that several years ago when I spoke with the gent that made Gun Line tools he was getting way up in years then.

[6.5X284ever]

Seek and ye shall find:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2031232978

https://homesteadparts.com/shop/stoc...0z-p-2312.html

https://www.usgundepot.com/us-specif...-finishes.html

Thanks, but if you click on those links, none of them are actually in stock or available. I was hoping someone might have a large bottle and sell me a few oz.

[brnomauser]

This is a pic of my first checkering job. Practiced a bit on some scrap wood, before attempting checkering the pistol grip. Intented to do the fore end, but never got around to it.

This is really good - makes me a bit ashamed of my first go actually… ulav8r makes some good points, but they’re only layout errors. Your straight lines, spacing and depth are great for a first go.

Here is my first attempt, finished this panel yesterday - an old 12g single Stevens. I’ll probably do one more beater stock before moving onto a “good” stock... I know my spacing is probably the biggest issue - at least partially caused by inconsistent depth when laying the lines out (cut some too deep), also the odd over run and I struggled to keep the border curve straight where the grip transitions into butt. Tools are Dem-Bart (I’m already panicking about where I’ll get replacement cutters) and a jointer I made from 1084.

I’ll really try and dial my spacing in on the next panel, and maybe use some electrical tape to help me get a smooth line (have a roll of Dymo label tape for the straight ones) but does anyone have any other tips?

[ulav8r]

I have a piece of a broken tape measure that I used to get a straight line around curves. It is relatively thick and only about a 1/4 wide. It is flat rather than curved like retractable tape measures, like the "tape" used in long, hand cranked tapes.

[JDHasty]

Looks like you are off to a good start. The checkering tools used to come out of Tacoma when I was a kid. Someone told me that once I get going and figure out what I will actually use to get a carbide cutter for those tools. Buy once, cry once.