I have read several books and have done some tinkering of my own and have made several stocks for my self i would like to do some checkering on my stocks and would like to know were i could get info on how to do this or is there is anyone out there who is getting out of the business who has some tools they want to sell i would be very interested in them . any help would be greatful

Eric

There's lots of gunsmithing tools (including checkering tools) and books for sale on eBay from time to time. Get a Brownells catalog. There are video tapes available on stockmaking, checkering, riflesmithing, etc. Go to gun shows, ask people with custom guns questions on how they do certain things, get to know other hobbiests or professionals who are good at it. If you're really serious, there are gunsmithing courses. Then there's the American Custom Gun Guild. By the way, the finest firearms ever made are being made now. A few short years ago, fine gunmaking was becoming a lost art. No more.

Get a copy of "The Checkering and Carving of Gunstocks" by Monty Kennedy

Most tools are better made by you, than bought. I do buy the single line, fine cut tools by the handfull when I am doing stocks. Insert the cutting heads to cut on the pull, never the push. Eventually you wil want an electric tool. It is strictly a layout and spacing tool, at least to me. The finishing is done with the fine cut sigle line tool. A long 1 1/2" single line cutter should be made to straignten out lines that get curvie. I tend to use a lot of plastic tape for label maker guns. You know the kind that you select a letter or number on a wheel and squeeze a clicker to put a white embossed figure on the tape. Anyway it is real nice to keep things straight and to lay thing out. Also forget pre made pattern decals. You need to lay out the pattern for each stock yourself. I free hand it with eyebrow pencil. When I am close I use Sharpie marker and drafting templates. Keep things parallel. The lines want to follow the curve.
The border next to the barrel channel must be straight an parallel. You need to use a special mini marking gauge. Made mine out of an allen wrench and piece of 1/4" x 1" steel. It's in the book. You must make a checkering cradle.

Bottom line.........you can make most everything you need. For starters you might try one of those basic kits. It just frustrated me into making my tools. Get the book and practice, practice practice.

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Originally posted by handgunner:
I have read several books and have done some tinkering of my own and have made several stocks for my self i would like to do some checkering on my stocks and would like to know were i could get info on how to do this or is there is anyone out there who is getting out of the business who has some tools they want to sell i would be very interested in them . any help would be greatful

Eric

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