New intending to carve gunstock

[WoodWhittlinWayne]

I haven't carved a gun stock before, but I am sure that there are people on here who have, or at the least, people who have some insight on where to begin. This place is full of knowledgeable and helpful people. Good luck and welcome!

[Ken s]

HI, I'm new here too. I've been making gunstocks, longrifle, pistol, etc for decades. Be careful, and a gunstock is not the best place to practice.
The wood must be cleaned, paying attention to the wood to metal fit. DON"T sand the edges where the wood meets the metal. Keep that area intact.
Don't oil the stock. You want to remove all oil. Rubbing alcohol and a toothbrush works.
The type of wood will determine how detailled the cut can be. I like to use checkering tools for the fine work in wood and ivory. the harder the wood, the finer the cuts can be.
You can raise the dents using an iron and a wet cloth. Put the cloth over the dent, put the iron on it and steam the dent up. You'll be surprised how many old dents will just go away.
All of the rifles pictured have been restocked from scratch.
top is English Walnut, middle is XXXX presentation walnut, and the bottom is feather crotch grained American Walnut.
Good carving...Ken

[jconners]

Ken:

Thank you. I am practicing on different wood scraps. I ordered a lighted magnifing eyeglass system to better see the work. Also adjusting the design pattern to better fit the rifle grip. It wil be several weeks before I have everything assembled and the reading and viewing of videos is completed.

I did spend several hours sanding the walnut stock...used water to raise out the 'grain'...I probably have several more hours before the stock is ready.

Nice work.

Jer

[Scott Hagerty]

Welcome to the forum! You've undertaken a pretty tough job but I'm sure you'll do fine.

I have a buddy who has done some stock carving. He uses an air powered micro tool, amazing little tool. There is a guy who advertises stock carving classes out of Emporia Ks., if i recall correctly, and he has some books out too. His name escapes me right now though.

Good luck, I look forward to seeing some pictures as you progress.