I started out using the Dembart Tools. Then got a set of Gunline tools. I far prefer the Gunline tools better. They have more of a choice in cutters. And the cutters last way longer in my experience. Since they have the sharp tooth design on their course cutters, they do not clog up. Dembart tools are very bad for clogging and dulling since all their tools have the finer barb style teeth.
Another good thing about Gunline tools is that they cut in both directions.
I do really like the Dembart checkering gauge. It is diamond shaped and is good for measuring checkering spacing as well as laying out master lines.
A Swiss checkering file can be very handy too.
As for tips when actually checkering... When I do gun shows, I usually have my cradle set up and I work on checkering so that people can see me work. It is a good thing for people to see, plus it gives me something to do at the show. I get asked a lot of questions and one of the things I tell everyone is that it is very important to learn how to work with the patterns.
You need to know how to lay out patterns, when to close yourself in and when to leave an open area and work up to it. Even cuttig a simple diamond on a forend can be very tricky the first time you try it for this very fact.
Also, know when lines are straight and get something like a thin flexible steel rule that will help with this.
If you decide that you want to try to learn how to do this and find yourself needig practice pieces, contact me. I have tons of junk stocks I could send for the cost of shipping.
Last edited by B. Dudley; 12/24/13 09:24 AM.
