The Checkering And Carving Of Gunstocks

Full-size line drawings and photos of checkering and carving patterns by America's leading stock-makers.

Because no one has ever written a comprehensive checkering course before, learning to checker has always been the most difficult-to-acquire skill-set in in the area of gun craftsmanship. Not anymore. This book teaches gunstock checkering beginning with essential basics, such as proper lighting, cradle design, selecting the proper tools, and all the other steps that lay the groundwork for a successful outcome before you ever pick up a tool. All aspects are covered, beginning with the design and layout of checkering patterns, both point patterns and Fleur-de-lis. The book is richly illustrated with more than 230 full color photographs, guiding the student through each step of the checkering process, thereby avoiding the confusion that has always been a part of the mystique of checkering. In addition, there is a section which deals with the various types of Walnut used in the making of gunstocks, detailing the relative qualities of each as to the suitability for checkering, such as hardness, pore size, and grain structure. Lastly, there is a section labeled "Random Thoughts and Miscellaneous Tips and Techniques", which contains some of the most valuable information in the course. These are lessons learned by the author over the span of a career. Covered are repair of mistakes, such as bad lines or broken diamonds, techniques for keeping lines straight, working with problem wood, proper tool selection for different types of wood, proper diamond proportions, and the list goes on. The information contained in these seventeen chapters will teach you everything you need to know to successfully checker gunstocks. All you need to add is experience.

A treasury of 135 classic gunstock carving patterns from talented artist, Lora Irish. You're sure to find the best carving pattern here for your next project, from basic checkering to dramatic hunting-related scenes. Excellent choices are provided for every skill level, from beginner to expert, so you can start with a basic pattern and tackle more intricate designs as your experience in gunstock carving grows. Also included is advice on choosing patterns, wood, and tools, carving methods, and tips on whether to start from scratch or use a kit.

Learn to create one-of-a kind, carved gunstocks with this complete guide from award-winning carver Bill Janney. Includes step-by-step carving demonstrations, 20 pages of wildlife and ornamental patterns, and an overview of tools, materials, and safety precautions.

With 250 clear color photos and concise text, Jose Valencia takes readers through all the steps necessary to create unique carvings on rifle or shotgun stocks. Learn to create and apply patterns, remove factory checkering, and use a high speed power pen and accompanying bits to create elaborate scroll, basket weave, and maple leaf patterns, along with realistic wildlife carvings. Adapting patterns to curved surfaces, sanding, and finishing techniques are also shown and explained. Seven patterns are provided for each of the carvings. A color photo gallery is also provided for further inspiration. Once readers have mastered the techniques for carving and finishing these patterns, they will be able to transform standard gunstocks into works of art that will be appreciated for generations.

The burgeoning popularity of double guns (both over/unders and side-by-sides) in the United States is no secret, and few gunmakers know more about them than Steven Dodd Hughes, who has been building, repairing, and customizing these firearms for three decades.

Roy F. Dunlap's classic book on making and repairing guns is reprinted here as part of Stackpole's Classic Gun Book series. Dunlap shows the skilled gunsmith how to produce professional-quality work in every phase of gunwork; included are instructions on working with metals, chamber and barrel work, and designing and crafting gunstocks. Dunlap's detailed instructions are illustrated with diagrams, drawings, and photographs of a variety of firearms.

Learn all the steps necessary to create unique carved wooden Christmas tree ornaments. 132 clear color photos illustrate every step for a songbird project and 23 additional patterns, ranging from an American Goldfinch to a Titmouse. Provide new and exciting challenges, including a unique method for attaching the finished songbird to a tree, wreath, or centerpiece. The text includes necessary references for feather parts, types, groupings, and texturing; eye setting or carving; the tools required to successfully complete these projects, and instruction for painting and sealing the completed ornament. Create heirloom decorative songbird ornaments that will pass down through future generations. This book brings challenges for novices and joy for experienced carvers.