Hand checkering

Just Carving · #1 02-22-2007, 07:58 PM

Well, I've been rooting around the carving world for a while now and investigating the different types of carving. After checking the local libraries, and not finding much on hand checkering, I came across this booklet on the Internet and ordered it:

"Fundamentals of Gunstock Checkering" Booklet By Bill McGuire.

It's suppose to be an easy to read 13 page booklet that includes detailed information and line drawings on topics such as proper checkering tools and equipment, pattern layout, the checkering process and even includes some examples of different checkering styles.

I'm more curious about checkering than anything. I don't have any interests in guns or hunting, or power carving. But I thought for a few bucks it would be interesting to learn about hand checkering.

I also found this website with a Gun Stock Checkering Guide:
http://www.gunline.com/checkguide.html

Anybody have anything to offer on hand checkering?

woodbutcher · #2 02-23-2007, 07:19 AM

I did some checkering when I was a kid and loved it. It's fun and challangeing at the same time. I still have my hand checkering files somewhere! Go for it. Just practice on scrap wood first.

ElWoodTroll · #3 02-23-2007, 08:25 AM

I have been looking around for a practice stock to carve on and found this site a couple of days ago. http://www.billjanney.com/gunstocks.htm
When I get going on my first stock carving, I'll probably have the checkering done by a shop but I would like to try my hand at it. Can anyone recommend
a quality tool source. I was all set to buy checkering tools from an outfit and then noticed they were selling Buck Bros. Made me wonder.

Just Carving · #4 02-23-2007, 08:29 AM

Woodbutcher, thanks for the words of encouragement. I am counting on a learning period, but if I enjoy it, I'll be sticking with it. I'm just not sure how I'll be using the checkering since I don't have any interest in guns.

Ques tion on scrap wood: I've read that checkering on the softwoods doesn't work well and that it works better on the hardwoods. I don't have any walnut but I do have red oak. Would the red oak be a good wood to practice on? Any other woods: basswood, aspen, maple?

Thanks!

woodbutcher · #5 02-23-2007, 12:51 PM

I did one gun stock that I believe was ash, and 2 others that were tiger grain walnut I carved both stocks out of a 2 1/2" slab of walnut that came from the trunk of the tree. One ended up being use for a camara stock the other I still have hanging on the wall in my shop. You need the hard wood to hold the diamond detail. The points of the diamonds will break of when useing a soft wood. I didn't catch where you are from but around here boat builders is the place to go to get nice pieces of wood. And don't forget you can checker all kinds of things not just guns. Mirror frames, Chair arms, Canes, Etc. I think my tools were made by Remington or something like that.

grampabatball · #6 02-23-2007, 01:53 PM

I have tried checkering and I find it difficult. If you want to check out tools try brownells.com. If they don't have it you won't need it. I think oak would be difficult as it splinters so easily. Bass wood should work. I will be curious to hear about any of you that do this successfuly. Have fun.

Just Carving · #7 02-23-2007, 02:20 PM

Woodbutcher,
Not much shipbuilding going on here in New Jersey--at least not in my area. But I'll see if I can dig up some ash or walnut to practice on. That's some good ideas for using checkering. Anybody else have any ideas for using checkering, please post them. I'd really like to hear them.

Grampabatball,
I ordered the McGuire booklet from Brownell. Their service seemed quick and reasonable in prices, too. I ordered the book and I received an e-mail within 2 hours that it was shipped. I could have bought the booklet a little cheaper at another vendor but they wanted $3 "special handling" because it was a small order and then close to another $8 for shipping. They lost a customer.

Elwood,
You gave me an idea. Maybe I'll check around to see if anyone has any old gunstocks they don't want so I can practice on them.

Thanks again for your help.

Ashbys · #8 02-27-2007, 01:49 PM

Not been on much latley, and sorry if I am posting a bit late, but I will tell you what I know.
Most checkering that is still being done without the use of laser, is between 18 - 24 lines per inch. The number of lines determines the grip of the checkering. The more lines per inch the less grip there is on the gun.

Hand done checkering from the factory will cost about $300.00 for both the pomel and the front forearm. Many of todays factory checkering is either rolled or machine cut. Many like Weatherby have gone to using laser engraving to apply the grip. Others now use checkering just for show and function is given up for looks.

So basically an area is layed out , the first angle cut and the next path is made by re-cutting the last line with the chercking tool The tools usally cut 3- 5 rows at a time. Some old masters will still do a single line at a time , but you pay dearly for that time.

Hope this helps
Ash

Just Carving · #9 02-27-2007, 07:29 PM

Thanks for the info. Ash. I received the McGuire booklet yesterday. You confirmed every word of what it said. It is a good little booklet for someone like me who's interested in learning about the various forms of wood carving--and Brownell sent it out to me in no time, too. Now, after learning how it is done, I can see why hand checkering has all but gone the way of laser. Between the investment in tools and time, and the risk of a slip-up, the laser makes sense.