Checkering Cradle Updated... AGAIN

[elkeater2]

Pat- Wonderful work- Testament to patience persistience and a steady hand. Cool. Re: the laminate stock, I opened up a barrel channel on a Boyds a couple years ago, I was realy surprised at how "soft" it seemed, how quickly the material came out. Give it a shot. CL

CL, there isn't much comparison between opening the barrel channel and trying to make those pretty pointy diamonds! When working the channel, the laminate layers are parallel to the direction of work, so the resistance to the tool remains consistent for each pass. Checkering on flat surfaces goes OK, but anywhere like the pistol grip that exposes multiple layers of wood and adhesive becomes challenging. Even on the forend without full wrap-around, each full-length pass crosses layers four or five times. It's sort of like trying to cut through a gristly steak at a cheap restaurant with a dull knife - some goes easy, some not so much, etc. :x A guy can do it OK, but a regular piece of dense walnut looks pretty inviting to work on after taking one of these on.
Elkeater2

 

[Hegland]

Looking great, Pat. Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[Guy Miner]

OUTSTANDING!

 

[cloverleaf]

Pat- Wonderful work- Testament to patience persistience and a steady hand. Cool. Re: the laminate stock, I opened up a barrel channel on a Boyds a couple years ago, I was realy surprised at how "soft" it seemed, how quickly the material came out. Give it a shot. CL

CL, there isn't much comparison between opening the barrel channel and trying to make those pretty pointy diamonds! When working the channel, the laminate layers are parallel to the direction of work, so the resistance to the tool remains consistent for each pass. Checkering on flat surfaces goes OK, but anywhere like the pistol grip that exposes multiple layers of wood and adhesive becomes challenging. Even on the forend without full wrap-around, each full-length pass crosses layers four or five times. It's sort of like trying to cut through a gristly steak at a cheap restaurant with a dull knife - some goes easy, some not so much, etc. :x A guy can do it OK, but a regular piece of dense walnut looks pretty inviting to work on after taking one of these on.
Elkeater2

Good points- I would imagine you are correct. Never been brave enough to try checkering myself. CL

 

[pre6422hornet]

A pic of the other panel.

 

[pre6422hornet]

Close up.

 

[DrMike]

That is some fine looking workmanship, Pat. Very handsome.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Really nice Pat!