How To Make A Checkering Tool
No reason to reinvent the wheel.
How to make a checkering tool. Cutting flat-top checkering requires a special tool. Once youre finished with that use the single cutter to even things out deepen lines sharpen diamond points etc. Like most forms of art practice is essential but in the hands of a trained craftsman.
We Gunsmiths use a checkering file from Brownells. The uppermost wood with pin is a sort of scriber that was used to mark the edges of the checkering so they run parallel with the barrel channel top line of the stock. In this video Ku.
Scribe this then use a single line tool to cut a master line. You will use this one the most. On the right are three antique tools used for checkering.
To make the tool you need a small triangular metal file the smaller the better. Hand checkering is a simple process requiring just a few simple tools. The tool is used to complete the repetitious bulk of the checkered panels.
Hold the tang with a pair of pliers and heat the forward two inches of the file to a dull red. A four-inch size with as little taper as possible is ideal. As you do move the stippling tool around inside the panel in a random manner.
Dont try to evenly space your stipple marks. Two tools used in the restoration and repair of gun stock checkering. Secure the stock in a checkering cradle so its held securely and both hands are free.