As I'm attempting to refinish a piece of Bastogne on the second rifle I built 30 years ago I remember why so many later ones didn't have a shadow line. Any hints on how to get it smooth up to the line and more critical how to keep the finish from building up in the corner!!!!!!!!!!!

I use a small mill file to get that fine edge.

I use mill file also...I use a scraper if need be...finish build up is because you use too much finish at one time..in crevises and corners wipe it off after application and wet sanding, you cannot wipe it all off and what is left is a very thin coat and thats exactly what your after. I fold 400/600 grit wet or dry several times and use the corners of the fold to wet sand in those areas..glue paper on popcicly sticks of various shapes for such work, use what you have to to get the job done, use the old head for something besides a hat rack!

Ramrod,
what fnish are you using? I would clean up the shadow with gouges/scrapers... and then thin whatever finish i am using to near water (depending on finish, depends on with what)... make certain the surface it prepped....

take some super fine paint brushes.... get a good strong light...

take a deep breath....

and hand the whole mess to my wife and go out in the shop to do something noisey!!!

jeffe

Thanks guys. I do the small file, scraper, a small piece of walnut instead of the popsicle stick etc. I get the job done. However, someone is always posting neat little tricks to replace the hard ways. I hoped that might be the case on this.

I've pretty much always used Tru-oil normally thinned. Since this was my second stock I doubt I knew to do that then. I'm sure finish build up was the major problem on this stock. Looking at later stocks the edge is a lot neater and cleaner.

Ray I could give you a list of the people that would say that is the only thing my head is good for. LOL Hmmm hopefully it is the shorter of the two lists.

Jeffe wish I had that last options sometimes. LOL Guess it also time to check on one of those big magnifying lenses with the light around it.

Tha suggestions you have are good ones, and the only ones I know of as well. I might add something I learn more and more as I get older...patience. Every time you hurry it, you will not be happy with it. I took one stroke with a file last night and said "god that sucked" so I quit until tonight when I will hopefully be in a better mood about it.