What do you like to work with...a 90 or 75 degree cutter. found some carbide I'd like to try out. I haven't checkered in years and well its time I get off my arse and give it another go. Thanks!

90
75s make a very deep groove which is more time consuming to cut. Also, as you know, the finer the pattern, the shallower the groove is and the quicker it will be to cut, usually outweighing the factor of more lines to cut. I think the trade off point is 24 LPI, or so. I admit that I do not do much checkering.

I'm sooooooo slowwwwww at checkering I even farm out my own. So I'm no expert but 90deg. Kobe would be a good one to ask. He cut one for me the points are so sharp you need a glove.

my best checkering has been done with a checkbook

quote:

my best checkering has been done with a checkbook

Cash works as well.

Thanks guys...that was my thinking, the check book.

I have been saving up several checkering projects. I figure if I (try to) hit them all at once then I may learn to do it better as opposed to a little here and a little there. I may try setting up a cradle downstairs this winter and start getting after it.

I have never used the 75° tools, never could see the reason for them. Never did learn about them, maybe I should.

The 75* cut is a better match for a lot of older US and Euro work. Recutting and restoration work on these w/a 90* is done but it doesn't leave the right look.

Much of the work was left not quite pointed,,or 'flat topped'.
But with the diamonds still having tapered sides, it still is different from true English style Flat Top checkering w/it's straight cut sides.

60* tools were and still are available. They cut steep angled sides and like the 75* are generally used for the flat topped style diamonds on widely spaced LPI on US guns.
But will cut spectacular looking deep and sharp fine LPI also. But you need the best wood to hold the peaks in the latter instance.

90* is probably the default/go-to angle for general use today. Strong & quicker to cut as there is less depth before the points appear.

A 3:1 diamond aspect is a good one to go with as a rule. But it can be adjusted a bit for looks too. Don't get too far away from the 3:1 size. It'll start to quickly get out of shape visualy depending on which way you run the lines. Long and narrow,,or big and nearly square.
It can do that all by itself when you go around curved surfaces if you're not careful!

...just my 2cents worth--save the 75 degree cutters for the finest hardest thinshell walnut. Ninety degree is best for black walnut, claro and soft "English". Also use 90 degree for coarse line spacing--example 22 lpi or less.

My credentials: I have checkered literally thousands of stocks. For money I mean.

Duane,,those are 60* hand tool cutters. I use GunLine mostly,,a few W.E.Brownell cutters around yet too.

I recently saw this:
http://ullmanprecisionproducts...er-checkering-tools/

Don't know if the cutters fit the MMC or not or what angle they are available in.
They do offer carbide single line hand tools in 90 and 75*