Cleaned up the checkering:

[J. Scott Hanes]

On the grip, how did you prevent the Formby's from softening the stock finish outside of the checkering?

[Bruce P Bruner]

Originally Posted by J. Scott Hanes

On the grip, how did you prevent the Formby's from softening the stock finish outside of the checkering?

The previous owner many years ago may have used a 4" paintbrush to lacquer the wood with no regard to boarders. Most all of the upper, lower tang, triggers and skeleton butt-plate were ham handed with an uneven amber coating. In this case all of the added finish required removal so the boarders were of no concern. The checkering required many successive applications and wiping, while the stock really didn't have much original finish left and cleaned up pretty fast. If the checking boarders are important a jell stripper applied with an artists brush would work with prudence.