Checkering tools

[Russ16]

So I’m trying my hand at a stock refinish for the first time. Doing a cheap Spanish double shotgun. So no loss if I mess it up a bit.

I’d like to recut the checkering. But I’m a little confused on what tools I need. I think I can do it with a single line checkering tool. But I’m not sure which one to buy. Not sure how good I’m going to be at this or how much I’ll enjoy it so I’m hoping to avoid spending a ton of money on the tools. Brownella and Midway both appear to sell full kits but I don’t see the single tools. And I think the kits have a bunch of stuff I don’t need for a recut. I saw a couple on Amazon but not sure if I’m buying junk.

Any advice on a beginner checking tool that would work for my project? I watched some videos online and it looks like a push cut tool is a little easier to use but who knows.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dholupko]

There are several ways to approach checkering. A couple of good books have been written but like many gunsmithing projects there are varying opinions. I’ll share what I was taught.

General checkering is done with 90 degree tools. I was taught to use a single 75 degree tool to touch-up old checkering. It will track better. The general ‘point up’ tool is 3/16 long. It travels around turns better. They also sell 3/8” long. These will track a straight line better however the shorter tool always feels friendlier, more forgiving. Dem-Bart sells good tools. There are companies that sell carbide tools. The last ones I bought were made by J&R Engineering. Not sure if they’re still around. Carbide is much more expensive.

From you message you indicate you don’t want a large expense and you may be included to buy Dem-Bart. Dem-Bart IS a good choice. However. Sometimes cutting through old finish can beat up a tool. It might be abrasive. You won’t know until you’re into the project. If you invest in the carbide it will last for this project and several more down the road.

To summarize, you want a line 75 degree cutter that is 3/16” long. Dem-Bart or carbide, your wallet will decide that.

Good luck! Post a picture when you’re done.

 

[Russ16]

There are several ways to approach checkering. A couple of good books have been written but like many gunsmithing projects there are varying opinions. I’ll share what I was taught.

General checkering is done with 90 degree tools. I was taught to use a single 75 degree tool to touch-up old checkering. It will track better. The general ‘point up’ tool is 3/16 long. It travels around turns better. They also sell 3/8” long. These will track a straight line better however the shorter tool always feels friendlier, more forgiving. Dem-Bart sells good tools. There are companies that sell carbide tools. The last ones I bought were made by J&R Engineering. Not sure if they’re still around. Carbide is much more expensive.

From you message you indicate you don’t want a large expense and you may be included to buy Dem-Bart. Dem-Bart IS a good choice. However. Sometimes cutting through old finish can beat up a tool. It might be abrasive. You won’t know until you’re into the project. If you invest in the carbide it will last for this project and several more down the road.

To summarize, you want a line 75 degree cutter that is 3/16” long. Dem-Bart or carbide, your wallet will decide that.

Good luck! Post a picture when you’re done.

Thanks I’ll check those out. I don’t have any finish to deal with I’ve done a good job of stilling the old off already.

My plan is to tape off the checkering and refinish with an English oil finish. Then I’ll recut the checkering.

 

[5shot]

Dem Bart has been out of business for some time.