Has anyone heard of raising dents in wood stocks by using steam? Any specifics would be appreciated!

Depending on the dents, the results can range from OK to pretty good.

The easiest way I know is to wet a washcloth and fold it once or twice, lay it on the dent, and apply a hot iron to it. This can re-inflate the wood cells and take away a good bit of the dents and dings.

It's not a very precise application method. So, unless you're working on the buttstock, it's a good idea to do this with the barreled action removed so you don't inject moisture into all the hidden nooks and crannies of your rifle.

RSY

If I remember correctly, you place a damp cloth over the dent, and apply heat with a soldering iron. The steam created makes the wood swell.

George

It's simple. Get a small piece of cotton cloth, fold it into a pad, soak with water, place over dent and apply a hot soldering iron or hot electric clothes iron. This forces steam into the wood fibers and causes them to swell and raise the dent. This procedure only works on dents, if the wood is cut or gouged out it will not work. Also the wood should be stripped of finish. Finish on the wood will not let the steam in and if the steam does get in through the finish it will probably lift it in that area. After sufficient drying time the stock can be finished normally.

I've heard that laying a damp cloth over the dent and then using a clothes iron over the top of it to generate steam into the wood will raise the dent, but haven't tried it personally. I'd assume that best results will be had if the finish is removed prior to trying to force the heat and steam into the wood. maxman

When a dent occurs in wood, the fibers are compressed. Steam causes the fibers to expand to their original dimensions.

It is important to remove any finish that may prevent the wood from absorbing the steam and expanding. Most factory varnishes can be buffed off. Hand rubbed oil finishes may require a bit of chemical stripper. It is also important to have the proper finish and/or stain on hand to refinish the area after the dent is raised and the wood has dried.

Epoxy finishes pose the greatest trouble.

Before you remove the finish, take a pin and put a bunch of pin pricks through the finish. Sometimes the finish will turn milky but let it dry out and it usually will clear up.

Also, for a dent you can put a drop of water in it, wait a while then put the tip of a soldering iron in the drop until it boils away.