Remedy for a botched checkering job

[RedFeather]

A while back I picked up an otherwise nice walnut stocked rifle that someone started a checkering job on and then quit.  It was a cheap buy due to their less-than-stellar workmanship (plus the wrong clip).  I've had a bunch of my uncle's shooting odds and ends, and remembered seeing a checkering tool.  Took another look and, lo and behold, it turned out to be a like new four tool set with extra bits, circa 1960's.  Still sharp as a tack, so I guess it can't hurt to see if I can't finish her up.  (That's debatable, having never done more than unintentionally scratching stocks)  My biggest problem, and it is a problem, is the former owner though it would be nice to do a wrap-around pattern over the TOP of the wrist.  To make matters worse, they got a pretty good diamond check at the very top, so there's no hope of sanding it out without making a thumb rest for Shrek. 

Any recommendations to replace that high checkering?  Maybe see if I can alter the pattern to use an inlay?  Think I can't do any worse on the rest of the gun.  Just have never seen a pattern like this and it sure won't feel too good on the hand.

[uncle paulie]

Pix?

[RedFeather]

Ah, I'm too lazy to haul it out right now.  Suffice it to say that something has to be done with it.  Either a German silver inlay, etc.  Really hate folks who try stuff like this and either botch it or give up or both.  At this weekend's gun show there's this little Diana 23.  Metal finish is gone but, otherwise, not too bad.  Guy wanted $85 for it.  The kicker?  Someone tried to checker one side of the grip and had zero imagination matched only by less talent.  Just sort of scratched a preliminary but damning pattern, also an extra set of stock screw holes in the forend.  ()  Saddest part of all was the butt, stamped 9 39.  If they had left well enough alone, the gun might have been a good candidate for a refinish.

[cfxlongshot]

I know this does not help you at all but where did you learn to checker?  I was looking in the midwayusa catalog and saw a whole set of checkering tools and was wondering how to do it.  I think my 350 feurkraft would look real nice with a good checkering job.

[Big_Bill]

Hey Red !

Years ago I decided to try my hand at checkering, and bought the whole set, and some templates !

I did not do the best job on the gun, but I did try !

Now if I were you, I would go to Brownell's and check out their checkering patterns, and find something that will correct or cover up your problem.

Note: there are a few different checkering sizes ! so be sure that you have the size to continue with this pattern.

Get everything together and start slowly, taking your time will pay off in the long run, a little cutting at a time until you have the feel for this !

The Best of Luck      www.brownells.com
 
Bill

[RedFeather]

Alas, I'm stuck with the current pattern since they laid out the borders.  At least I have the checkering set to see what I can make of it.  The gun's an early Marlin 56 Levermatic, so replacing the stock is a no go as they aren't that common.  Had one a while back.  Neat gun and this particular one actually has a decent trigger.  I'll figure something out.

[Ddgrego]

Hello Red.How bad is the checkering you are talking about.Do you have any pics?I have done a few over time and they can be repaired if not to deep.Do you just need to go over lines again an retrace?If so get a v90 veiner tool to trim up.If the lines arnt too deep you can sand them down some using a rubber block sander so you don't make dips in the wood.Then retrace a new pattern and cut slowly to follow you're pattern. Go a little deeper each time but not to deep on first few cuts.A little at a time.This will take longer but you can get the old ones out.Go over each line when done using a 60 degree cutter and then finish off with a 90 degree cutter to bring out the diamond pattern better.Seal off with a good wood varnish and easy on the clear if you use any.If its just to messed up you may have to just sand it down completely and start over.Ive posted a few pics of mine on here so if you need anything give me a shout.Many things to look at like lpi.did they use 16lpi 18,20,22 and so on.id be happy to help.

[RedFeather]

I'll try to get a pic in the next couple of days.  If it were possible, I would sand the whole thing out.  Wasn't too bright an idea to start with.  The diamonds on the top of the wrist are just too deep for it.  Worse comes to worst I'll just wrap some leather around the wrist and stitch off.

[Jaymo]

Maybe stipple it? Bedliner?

[RedFeather]

The sides aren't too bad.  It's the top of the wrist.  As to bed liner, I am not a fan.  Plus the stock, although plain walnut, is pretty decent.  I ain't losing sleep over it.  Got to get it out and shoot it a bit.  Was cheap due to the checkering, not to mention the wrong magazine.  These 56's are really fun guns.  Shortest lever arc made.  Just open and close your hand.

[hoffy43]

I second the stippling option. Of course you may not like that look. It might be possible to inlay some accent wood, but with the stock already formed, patience, skill and proper tools will be needed to get tight uniform integration of the woods. However you decide, good luck.

[Ddgrego]

Have any pics yet?