Two observations about this thread are that I have learned a great deal as an individual and that stock finishers in general have a near voracious interest in similar learning and problem solving. Stock finishing is by its nature a fairly lonely pursuit - - most often done alone with memory in full play an perhaps a few scribbled or printed instructions. A good deal of trial and error type work is also a part of it, as we all know.
At one time, I was heavily into refurbishing military Curio & Relic type rifles. I can't think of a stock that commands as much restorative attention as a well used military - - steeped in cosmoline and heavy lubricants, stack-stored and often cracked and gouged, and subject to all the heavy use militaries were intended for.
Several years ago, I ran across a little forum (actually, one of many individual forums) focused on militaries. This one bore the modest title of "C&R Riflestock Cleaning and Preservation", moderated by a chap calling himself the "Cabinetman".
The operative line for this present post is - - if you can refurbish military wood successfully, you can probably do a good job on anything - - with a willingness to adapt and discounting checkering. I took this C&R forum's information to heart, read and read, and then applied.
This forum is still alive and well. At its outset there are about 10 brief essays on key stock restoration jobs. I invite you to give them a look. The forum's actual scope notably exceeds its title. Depending on your endurance, there is an incredible amount of stored information there-in. I think you'll cull out some ideas towards refinishing our beloved double gun wood that will make their reading worthwhile. For instance, the Cabinetman was into Behlen analine dyes years ago and there is a great little essay he wrote over there on the differences between dyes and stains. There are other essays on . . . sandpaper (yes, there's a lot to be said about sandpaper), "spitcoating" with shellac, lengthly discussion on BLO, tung and other finishes, and etc. etc. etc. There is also info on stock cleaning, some of it very aggressive and the use of which you'll want to weigh before you proceed.
The site address is:
http://www.milsurpshooter.netIt is a part of the larger Parallax Bill's C&R site. You'll need to scroll down throuh a number of individiual forums to reach the one on cleaning and preservation.
So, in the spirit of more stock finishing learning, the above is offered.
