doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Stock bending question

DES/TSD that is a good point about bending and then letting it take a set. If it works for you there is no argument here from me. Wood is elastic when heated and bent so what you are doing is hold it in the position longer to let the internal stresses get use to the new position I guess. Makes sense when you think about it.

Even if it was voodoo if it worked for you it still works for you. And the ratio of stocks bent by you to mine extensive number most likely several hundred or even thousands to one the next time I try to bend a stock I will let it sit overnight or longer. Why rush something just because you can. I for one will take you advise, just do not tell my wife. She might expect me to start taking her advise as well. What a slippery slope that could become.

After 35 years of marriage... mine says I don't listen or take her advise either!!! Must be all of the walnut sawdust in my ears.....but I wouldn't trade her for all the tea in China either. Best decision I ever made was to ask her to be my wife.

Dennis ,
Thank you for your response. All duly noted. Like yourself, never ever had a problem (always a first time so don't tempt fate!).
I normally use infra red lamps but for big bends that complain ( you CAN feel the resistance) I use hot steam for a longer period.
But making sure that moisture is purged afterwards is a pain. The labour time is what the customer NEVER appreciates.
Thank you for your insight.

Salopian, you are welcome. I too use infra red lights as the heat source. I also use heat shields made from aluminum sheets to protect the finish. I started my bending of gunstocks using steam. Until a very expensive gunstock for a very wealthy live bird shooter convinced me it was not my bending medium of choice. Now I use raw linseed oil on a cotton cloth heated by the lights. I also use a timer and an IR thermometer to keep the oil heat monitored. Thank you for all of your contributions over the years, I have enjoyed reading your posts and benefitting from your knowledge.