I saw that Ahlmans does simple 4 panel checkering for $50. This seems too good to be true so I am kinda wary. Has anyone got a pic of their checkering? I have two stocks that need checkering and would like to have some opinions on where to have it done.
Thanks

I'll let you know next week - I have four there right now. I've heard good thing from reputable people about them, that's why i gave them a try.

talk to carol at ahlmans - she does the checkering- and 1st class at it. I've probably got over a dozen in the rack she's done. I trust her to a point that I had don allen make a matched pair of dakota's for me (w/exhibition bastone) I forgot to tell him to enlarge the checkering pattern , so when I got them I took them over to carol and she did it, and I defy anybody to tell the difference. Uusally I just tell her to do whatever she thinks will be best, and it always comes out that way.

9.3x62,
When you get them back, can you post some pics?

Pat Taylor, who tutored me, was the head checkerer at Kimber and taught all the ladies there. She also instructed the folks at Dakota and a few other places. She said the ladies doing the simple patterns could do at least 12 plus a day once they got up to speed. She said some did even better. I have seen Pat work and it is economy in motion. Once a stock was moved in her cradle, she cut everything that she could, grips, forends etc, before she turned it back. I am the tortoise compared to her.

The patterns they use simplify things greatly, not going onto the deeply curved portions on the inside of the grip, no wrap arounds, and a smaller area. It still amazes me they can get it done that fast. And have it well done.

Do we have an address/web site/ phone number for these people? What is their turn around time?

Useing a power/electric checker tool , is removeing excessive wood something you have to be careful of ? Top of the diamonds below the original wood surface, or center of a pattern sunk into the stock too far.

I have a stock that has some deep checkering in places /"valleys" in the pattern, so to say.

lb404,
Here is the web site website for Ahlmans

quote:

Originally posted by billhilly66:
9.3x62,
When you get them back, can you post some pics?

Will do. One English, two Claro, and 1 factory black walnut.

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
talk to carol at ahlmans - she does the checkering- and 1st class at it. I've probably got over a dozen in the rack she's done. I trust her to a point that I had don allen make a matched pair of dakota's for me (w/exhibition bastone) I forgot to tell him to enlarge the checkering pattern , so when I got them I took them over to carol and she did it, and I defy anybody to tell the difference. Uusally I just tell her to do whatever she thinks will be best, and it always comes out that way.

I'd trust her to checker anything...she's good!

Thanks guys. I'll give Carol a call. I've got two stocks hanging and drinking oil that need her attention. Still looking forward to 9.3x62's pics though.