I believe that it is time to take the Stockmaker Show and Tell down and let some of the people still working to post some of their own projects. I have asked Jeffesso to place this into the regular flow of topics. After 3 1/2 yrs. and 54427 hits as of today it must be a subject which lots of people are wanting to learn. I am asking for it to stop on Oct. 1st so anyone wanting to download the information will have time.

I have had many request on this topic of stockmaking and hope that I have helped someone become a stockmaker in the future. My start was when Keith Stegall wrote articles for the American Rifleman magazine in the 1950's. At that time there was not too many stockmakers around to help people. The PC has opened up the line of information for all to see and learn this trade. There is room for all levels of stockmakers. I don't consider myself as a top stockmaker, but have tried to make stocks as requested by our customers.

The Guild has been working for 30 yrs and I never wanted to join. I went to number 3 in Los Wages and never returned. The company didn't support the Guild and I had to go at my own expense. This company paid me very well to help run the business. A couple of custom stocks per year was to help bring customers into the store. Sales made much more for the company than custom rifle stocks. We had 4 fulltime gunsmiths most of the time and sales. The shop paid for most of the wages for the employees.

I will still check in on the forums from time to time, but will not get into the argument and arrogant replies.

Thanks to all, best to you in custom stocks,

Les Brooks, retired gunsmith

Les, Each should try to fufill their stewardship obligations to future generations. Your willingness to share your knowledge is indicative not only of your love of the trade but also shows how fine a man you are. And yes, you have helped educate more than a few stockmakers of the present and future. Thank you from all of us. ...With Greatest Respect, David L Wesbrook

I hope this doesn't get posted twice but just had a little computer glitch.
I for one would like to see it left up. I have learned a great deal from this thread and since there are many new members joing AR regularly I would like to have them have the same opportunity. Gunsmiths with your skill level are few and far between and those willing to share their work procedures with others are fewer still.
That being said, it is your decision, I just think it would be doing an injustice to those who won't have the opportunity in the future to learn from your thread.

Les
I agree with Dave and Mike. You can leave the thread and ask for it to be locked. It would sit at the top of the page as a static educational tool like a text book.

You generosity is amazing and I am glad that we have had the opportunity to learn from you.

quote:

You can leave the thread and ask for it to be locked. It would sit at the top of the page as a static educational tool like a text book.

I agree with Jason.

I agree, just have Jeffe lock it!

Yep lock it

please keep it up. Thanks Mr. Brooks for a wealth of information.

There's too much good info in that thread to just "let it go", Les. I've seen "Making it Feed" and "Bolt Face Diameters" as 'stickies',, "Stockmakers Show and Tell" should be there, too. I'd say LOCK IT! But, it's your thread,,, up to you. I think it would be a great loss to all who might be at least interested to "Let it Go". By the way, the pattern mill is coming along nicely, thanks for the encouragement.

It's a wealth of information that can't be replaced- enough thanks cannot be given for it, and I'd vote to leave it available, locked.

Most importantly, quoting from above:

"But, it's your thread,,, up to you."

And your decision will be abided.

PLEASE leave it up and lock it!


.

Les, you are too modest. This thread is a lifetime of study, experience and instruction compressed into one project. Don't let this article get overlooked and lost. It is full of accurate information, instruction and inspiration !

Leave and lock, please.

Thank you.

God Bless Les. You are a dying breed unfortunately.

Thanks to all who replied concerning my Stockmaker topic. I hope I have helped some of you with your stocks.

Last week I met a lady (95 yrs) that was a close friend of Keith Stegall. I had one of his stocks to study for a few minutes. She had pictures of Keith and his wife. The rifle was very nice and had only been fired by Keith checking the scope. The lady had it made for her husband in the '70's. She had a very good memory about the shop and visits with the Stegall's.

I thought it would be fitting to post about Keith as I am thinking about whether to take the article down or let it stay locked in place.

Les Brooks