Stocking adventure

[Kent Nickerson]

OK...I am going to try to restock one of my doubles...this is my wood...wet with water...dry it is much paler to look at. Any recommendations about staining to bring out this figure permanently would be greatly appreciated...I've researched all the oils and there are so MANY!! Thanks all in advance///

[GH-16]

That's a nice looking blank, but I would be concerned with that branch line in the wrist/head area.

I would finish it naturally without staining. When you use stain there is always the possibility of blotches & uneven areas. There is also the chance of cutting through the finish & into the stain when doing knock down smoothing between coats. My suggestion is to experiment with the various finishes you're considering on the blank before you have it turned. You will probably find just the right finish to bring the color out of the blank without the need to stain it.

[WmRike]

I'd look at Pilkington's gold brown oil finish (Brownells). No blotching, can't cut through the stain, good stuff.

[chris dawe]

Kent the color you see when wet will be damn close to what most any oil finish will bring up .

[B. Dudley]

Any finish you use will make it better than dry.
And asking about what finish to ise will end up with tons of various answers. There are so many out there and different types are good for certain jobs.

However some finishes are better than others for bring out depth of figure and color. The most important step to this is using a deep penetrating sealer first. The actual finish is a top coat applied over whatever you use as a sealer.

Teak sealer and oil mixed with alkanet root will work very well for both barkening and also adding a little more color to the wood.

[Kent Nickerson]

Thanks for quick reply...thankfully the branch line does not penetrate the blank...it is almost like it was printed on the surface of the wood. I was concerned when I ordered it but quite pleased now.

[BRDHNTR]

Kent, where did you buy that wood? Cecil Fredi?

[B. Dudley]

Kent,
Depending on the gun, and what is needed for width will determine for sure. But if that blank is a full 2” think, that inclusion in the head will likely machine out just fine.

[Kent Nickerson]

I've been watching the wood on the Hovak website for quite a while to find a blank to try and when this one was posted for $250 (free shipping) I ordered it. I'll post a picture of it once its machined. The gun is an inexpensive 410 of my grandfathers from the 30's...first double I ever shot 64 years ago.

[Kent Nickerson]

The blank is 2.5 inches thick throughout. The little double should fit in there just fine...she's thin in the wrist and has a delicate head...; )