The torch burns of those whiskers that will only get pushed back down when sanded. Not risky if done right.You want to dry it quickly which will bring out more whiskers than a hair drier. You keep the torch ,moving and do not linger on one spot whne you see the wood just begin to dry.
I mentioned oil removal because the OP stated it was an old stock.I have seen most older stocks oil soaked within the tang area or right up against the action. Therefore it must be addresed as much as finish removal if a good finished is desired. It must be removed as much as posdible, although it will not ever be 100%.
If one can get the oil out maybe 1/8" deep, and finish immedaitely before any more migrtaes out,the finish will stick.
I have successfuly done several old military rifles with this method and just finised a pre 1900 Raick Freres double Belgium shotgun.
Last edited by saddlesore; 01/23/11 11:02 AM.
