I've been cleaning out and re-pointing checkering on doubles for many years with a tool Brownell's sells called a riffler. If the checkering is too far gone and worn to the point you cannot follow the lines, it won't work, and it's best to send it to a professional for re-cutting. Otherwise, it works great.
I learned a long time ago the secret to re-pointing a pattern with a riffler is to go slow, use plenty of lighting, and use a set of strong reading glasses. I also dip the tool in lacquer thinner after each pass, and use a toothbrush to knock away the crud.
I always do this BEFORE I refinish the wood. I mask off the pattern and when I'm done with the wood, I put stain/finish mix in the checkering to match and seal. Probably have done close to 100 stocks this way over the years.
JR
Last edited by John Roberts; 07/05/15 01:33 PM.
