Before switching to a, 'one size fits all models, laser-cut-in-thirty-seconds', chequering panel, vintage CS stocks were chequered using a powered / rotary chequering tool. These have been around since the sixties. ( The Ulman 'Titan' is a modern version of this tool ).
These tools are very quick to use and I'll be investing in one at some point - but the fundamental principles of cutting 3 - 3.5:1 ratio diamonds, consistently straight, consistently deep, into varying angled wood, at a consistent angle - and right up to the border, without an overrun - still remain. Not easy to do with a rotary blade, which is why a pattern of chequer needs to be finished to the edge with hand tools.
As such, these early CS stocks clearly showed directional change and a clear bias along the master lines - but in two directions.
The pointing up of the diamonds was also negated ( pointing up being the final stage and one of the most important stages of chequering - although this is often overlooked with amateurs ).
If you have an early CS stock, I'll guarantee the chequering shows similarities to the attached photographs - showing clear master line bias, directional change and minimal edge sharpness.
Another aspect is edge pattern ratio - again, early CS stocks negated this.
On this CS stock I'm refinishing at the moment ( which is a commission job on a much sought after stock ), the ratio is a correct 3:1 on the rake - whereas it's a bit more than out on the 'matching' forend panel...
If I turned out work like this, I'd expect to be receiving a stock shaped suppository...
Finer details make the finished product.
These tools are very quick to use and I'll be investing in one at some point - but the fundamental principles of cutting 3 - 3.5:1 ratio diamonds, consistently straight, consistently deep, into varying angled wood, at a consistent angle - and right up to the border, without an overrun - still remain. Not easy to do with a rotary blade, which is why a pattern of chequer needs to be finished to the edge with hand tools.
As such, these early CS stocks clearly showed directional change and a clear bias along the master lines - but in two directions.
The pointing up of the diamonds was also negated ( pointing up being the final stage and one of the most important stages of chequering - although this is often overlooked with amateurs ).
If you have an early CS stock, I'll guarantee the chequering shows similarities to the attached photographs - showing clear master line bias, directional change and minimal edge sharpness.
Another aspect is edge pattern ratio - again, early CS stocks negated this.
On this CS stock I'm refinishing at the moment ( which is a commission job on a much sought after stock ), the ratio is a correct 3:1 on the rake - whereas it's a bit more than out on the 'matching' forend panel...
If I turned out work like this, I'd expect to be receiving a stock shaped suppository...
Finer details make the finished product.
Attachments
Last edited: