I just finished my first inletting of an action into a blank. The action is a 98 Mauser and it took me about 22 hours. While far from perfect, I have seen worse inletting jobs. The one place I have an unsightly gap is behind the left action cheek where it meets the action tang, where there is about an 1/8" gap. How would you fix something like that? I was thinking of either inletting a small piece of wood in or mixing bedding compound and sawdust to fill it. Buy the way, this gives me a whole new level of appreciation for the master stock-makers. This will be a 6.5x55 styled after a Rigby Highland Stalker. Steve Bertram was kind enough to let me take measurements and photos of the one he has for sale.

I doubt there is a way to fill a gap that size that won't be obvious.

Hoping that someone will come and prove me wrong.

That is no problem. Use epoxy ( bedding compound) and add filler/thickener, they make different types. Use epoxy dye to get the right wood color. Masking tape where necessary. Sand it off when it is cured. Very common thing to do and fun to learn how. If it does not turn out right the first time, sand/grind it all away and do it again. A marin epoxy supplier will sort it out for you.

You can lay in a piece of wood and re-inlet. I can show you how to make the glue line disappear in the finish if need be. I don't like bedding material for such a large gap. Call anytime for a more detailed explanation.

quote:

That is no problem. Use epoxy ( bedding compound)

fixes all kinds of bedding problems

I will add my .02 worth. I agree with what Brian said, but I would change one thing. When you start sanding, or if you have a piece of wood from the stock, sand it and collect the dust. Mix that in with the epoxy and it will match very well, and much easier than trying to match colors with dyes.

If you did a good job inletting, don't mess it up with epoxy filler, that's the bubba way out. Inlet a slightly larger piece of matching wood to cover the area of the gap and re-inlet. Do it carefully and you will be pleased with the results.
Using filler is not stockmaking. Steve Bertram is offering, accept his guidence~

Steve: Damn good post! Do it right or don't do it at all.

BNrwnells spent..what?? in $$ and many years brain washing the wannabe to look for "That white line of accuracy". Unortunaely, that has spread to a degree into some highly regarded pros.

Inlet a matching piece is how I was leaning and what I expected. Thank you, Steve Bertram, and I will take you up on your generous offer.