Line per inch spacing varies a lot on Parkers, even within grade. Trojans are normally about 16, VH are about 18 and grades above that can be anything. GS can be as course as 18 snd as fine as 22. Same goes for the rest.
Dembart and gunline are both fine. I personally prefer gunline.
If you are going to get a starter set in a given spacing, I say that 20 is best for the beginner. But if you are recutting original checkering that has feel or is visible, you dont need a spacing tool. Just a single line cutter.
Besides, original checkering may not fall into the confines of the spacing that tools are made in now.
Raw unfinished wood is not great to practice on much because it is hard to see what you are cutting. And the open pores will make cutting a bit harder, especially on species like american walnut vs circassian which is more dense.
If you are going to work with fresh wood, at least sand it out to 220 or 320 and get some finish into it.
And old oily wood such as with an original stock will be very different too and prove its own challenges. Old broken up stocks can be acquired cheaply and are good for practice.
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B. Dudley
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