Looking for Guidance with Stock Checkering and Woodworking

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Bernie7

Member
Oct 19, 2022
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Manchester, NH
Hello Friends,

I’m interested in doing some work on a stock and grip and have been looking into checkering and wood carving (hence the recent post looking for @cavedweller ’s stock made by Jose Valencia). I watched some YouTube videos from Midway, another from a gunsmith and I think I generally understand the checkering process but just want to make sure I’m getting the correct tools because they seem outrageously expensive. The cheap Dem Bart starter kits seem to be no longer available, I can’t tell if gunline is still in business and carbide tipped tools range $70-$120/piece.

I suppose it’s a dying art so the tooling is being produced in smaller runs. However I’d love to give it a shot! Seems like I need the following at minimum->
  1. Tool to scribe some reference lines
  2. Flexible ruler
  3. Layout guide
  4. Push style single line cutter 60 degree
  5. Push style single line cutter 90 degree
  6. Skip line or double line cutter to ensure the next line is parallel
  7. Small pull cutter for work close to the edges or a V style veiner.
  8. Some sort of flourish cutter for the borders.
  9. A bigazz pile of walnut scrap to practice on
Can someone confirm if these are the right tools and if I’m missing anything or if I can get by with only a 90 degree cutter or use a 75 degree so I don’t need to buy both.

I’m aware of how time consuming the process is and that actually makes it even more attractive. I find those types of activities very relaxing, I used to paint miniatures so this is right in line : )

Of course any recommendations for books, videos, articles, etc would also be appreciated. Including for all airgun related woodworking. I already saw the fantastic 6 part DIY stock making guide on pyramid air’s blog which I believe was written by a member here.

Thank you and hope you’re all having a nice start to the weekend!!!
 
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Bernie7 said:
Hello Friends,

I’m interested in doing some work on a stock and grip and have been looking into checkering and wood carving (hence the recent post looking for @cavedweller ’s stock made by Jose Valencia). I watched some YouTube videos from Midway, another from a gunsmith and I think I generally understand the checkering process but just want to make sure I’m getting the correct tools because they seem outrageously expensive. The cheap Dem Bart starter kits seem to be no longer available, I can’t tell if gunline is still in business and carbide tipped tools range $70-$120/piece.

I suppose it’s a dying art so the tooling is being produced in smaller runs. However I’d love to give it a shot! Seems like I need the following at minimum->
  1. Tool to scribe some reference lines
  2. Flexible ruler
  3. Layout guide
  4. Push style single line cutter 60 degree
  5. Push style single line cutter 90 degree
  6. Skip line or double line cutter to ensure the next line is parallel
  7. Small pull cutter for work close to the edges or a V style veiner.
  8. Some sort of flourish cutter for the borders.
  9. A bigazz pile of walnut scrap to practice on
Can someone confirm if these are the right tools and if I’m missing anything or if I can get by with only a 90 degree cutter or use a 75 degree so I don’t need to buy both.

I’m aware of how time consuming the process is and that actually makes it even more attractive. I find those types of activities very relaxing, I used to paint miniatures so this is right in line : )

Of course any recommendations for books, videos, articles, etc would also be appreciated. Including for all airgun related woodworking. I already saw the fantastic 6 part DIY stock making guide on pyramid air’s blog which I believe was written by a member here.

Thank you and hope you’re all having a nice start to the weekend!!!
Click to expand...
Bernie,
I too am a student learning to checker…I would highly recommend purchasing Joel Schafer’s book “The Final Touch” as the very first thing you invest in. Secondly, a checkering cradle is MANDATORY! Third…a good pair of magnifier’s…after studying Joel’s book, make your decision on what tools to purchase. It is NOT easy…technique is learned through doing…patience is a gift from your creator…I wish you success! Good luck with your endeavor! John
 
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Reactions: Airgun-hobbyist, Bernie7 and cavedweller
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Bernie7 said:
Hello Friends,

I’m interested in doing some work on a stock and grip and have been looking into checkering and wood carving (hence the recent post looking for @cavedweller ’s stock made by Jose Valencia). I watched some YouTube videos from Midway, another from a gunsmith and I think I generally understand the checkering process but just want to make sure I’m getting the correct tools because they seem outrageously expensive. The cheap Dem Bart starter kits seem to be no longer available, I can’t tell if gunline is still in business and carbide tipped tools range $70-$120/piece.

I suppose it’s a dying art so the tooling is being produced in smaller runs. However I’d love to give it a shot! Seems like I need the following at minimum->
  1. Tool to scribe some reference lines
  2. Flexible ruler
  3. Layout guide
  4. Push style single line cutter 60 degree
  5. Push style single line cutter 90 degree
  6. Skip line or double line cutter to ensure the next line is parallel
  7. Small pull cutter for work close to the edges or a V style veiner.
  8. Some sort of flourish cutter for the borders.
  9. A bigazz pile of walnut scrap to practice on
Can someone confirm if these are the right tools and if I’m missing anything or if I can get by with only a 90 degree cutter or use a 75 degree so I don’t need to buy both.

I’m aware of how time consuming the process is and that actually makes it even more attractive. I find those types of activities very relaxing, I used to paint miniatures so this is right in line : )

Of course any recommendations for books, videos, articles, etc would also be appreciated. Including for all airgun related woodworking. I already saw the fantastic 6 part DIY stock making guide on pyramid air’s blog which I believe was written by a member here.

Thank you and hope you’re all having aInice start to the weekend!!!
Click to expand...
Contact Jose Valencia he will assist you
 
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Bernie7 said:
Hello Friends,

I’m interested in doing some work on a stock and grip and have been looking into checkering and wood carving (hence the recent post looking for @cavedweller ’s stock made by Jose Valencia). I watched some YouTube videos from Midway, another from a gunsmith and I think I generally understand the checkering process but just want to make sure I’m getting the correct tools because they seem outrageously expensive. The cheap Dem Bart starter kits seem to be no longer available, I can’t tell if gunline is still in business and carbide tipped tools range $70-$120/piece.

I suppose it’s a dying art so the tooling is being produced in smaller runs. However I’d love to give it a shot! Seems like I need the following at minimum->
  1. Tool to scribe some reference lines
  2. Flexible ruler
  3. Layout guide
  4. Push style single line cutter 60 degree
  5. Push style single line cutter 90 degree
  6. Skip line or double line cutter to ensure the next line is parallel
  7. Small pull cutter for work close to the edges or a V style veiner.
  8. Some sort of flourish cutter for the borders.
  9. A bigazz pile of walnut scrap to practice on
Can someone confirm if these are the right tools and if I’m missing anything or if I can get by with only a 90 degree cutter or use a 75 degree so I don’t need to buy both.

I’m aware of how time consuming the process is and that actually makes it even more attractive. I find those types of activities very relaxing, I used to paint miniatures so this is right in line : )

Of course any recommendations for books, videos, articles, etc would also be appreciated. Including for all airgun related woodworking. I already saw the fantastic 6 part DIY stock making guide on pyramid air’s blog which I believe was written by a member here.

Thank you and hope you’re all having a nice start to the weekend!!!
Click to expand...
Midway Usa has a video on this subject .
 
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