What is a good tool for an amateur to use to repoint old, flattened cut checkering?

A single point checkering tool is customary, but I recently used a triangular curved needle file to retrace a Fox Mod B and it did an admirable job. I especially liked the way I could creep up on the borders and draw it back to eliminate over runs.

Bobster is right as far as I know. I have done what he said several times and it really works. Brian

Can someone please post a photo of the tool & how you hold it on a gun while working.

Naki, The curved, needle file is held firmly like a small leather knife with your first finger on the back of the blade, convex side down. Brownells will supply the file.
For the checkering tools, go to the Den-Bart website. Checkering is not as hard as they would like us to think. Just go slow and cut each line shallow, not deep. (Each line becomes a guide for the next line and a shallow/thin line is the better guide. Dem-Bart will get you going. You could checker that beautiful stock you made that you kindly showed me. You have to practice on a spare piece of wood. Then go slow. Brian

Browning does half assed checkering at best.

I re-cut these several years ago with a cheap single line cutter

quote:

Can someone please post a photo of the tool & how you hold it on a gun while working.

Needle file
http://www.brownells.com/gunsm...e-files-prod701.aspx

example of a single point.
http://www.brownells.com/gunsm...-tool-prod80476.aspx

Cradle
http://www.brownells.com/gunsm...-cradle-prod381.aspx

Now that you've recut the checkering what do you recommend to put finish in the checkering ?

The Browning I re-cut was a total stock re-do

It started life as a high luster Medallion

I sanded all the thick glossy Texacron finish off the re-cut the 4 panels.

After that it was fill the pores and sand in an oil finish

I just oiled the checkering with the same finish oil I used for the stock. I used a soft toothbrush to scrub it in

quote:

I just oiled the checkering with the same finish oil I used for the stock. I used a soft toothbrush to scrub it in

ted thorn, That is excellent work. That is better than some work you see on high-end custom stocks. I find this kind of stuff very satisfying. Brian

Thanks for the info, guys. The curved needle file looks like it would do the trick.

For the do it yourself project you would be far better served with a tool that allows push and pull

This is the exact tool I used

Made by Dembart sold at Midway ect cheaply

quote:

This is the exact tool I used

I've found it gives me a lot of control.

Add in a flip down magnifying visor and stay patient

Above all else take your time.....or send it to me

Thanks Brian

Yes I am looking the Dembart kit. Found them here in NZ & looking for a bargain used kit if available.

Here is the stock I want to checker.





Here is the original thread of this project
http://forums.accuratereloadin...611058421#8611058421

My visit to Remington in the early '70s - The checkering was done by older women !! They did it properly !
A cradle , good lighting, maybe an optivisor , comfortable stool .patience all will help

quote:

Originally posted by mete:
My visit to Remington in the early '70s - The checkering was done by older women !! They did it properly !
A cradle , good lighting, maybe an optivisor , comfortable stool .patience all will help

Ruger used to have a crew of women sitting in a room doing their checkering, I don't know if they still do though.

My tool kit for re-cutting checkering: two single vee cutters mounted in their own handles, one pushed the other pulled. Also short cutter mounted in its own handle, set to pull, for in tight spots. (Always pull the line away from the border rather than push a cutter up to it.) If a border is present, then a border cutter is called for too. I suggest buying enough handles to mount whatever cutters you decide on. While switching cutters on a handle isn't hard, it's so much easier to lay down one tool and pick up another and keep on working than to break the work flow by stopping to change out cutter heads.

I am surprised that used checkering kits are hard to find on eBay etc.

There is one set in NZ with a book & visor but the guy is dreaming - asking for NZ$200 & now dropped to NZ$170. I can get them new full kit, visor & amazon book for that price. Brownells & Midway are stocked out. I could get them landed here even cheaper.