frankenstein's SMLE handguard

[Claven2]

Peter, do you have a photo or drawing of a uk-correct patch? I’m having difficulty visualizing the method you’re describing.

[Peter Laidler]

No photos I'm afraid after all these years. But similar to your BRILLIANT effort. But just imagine the ears or wings or horns being patched in individually. AND our dovetails being in the VERTICAL plane as opposed to your,s in the HORIZONTAL plane.

[painter777]

Claven2,
I have a finish tip if your interested.
To keep the end grain of your Pegs and Cookies or Wedges lighter in appearance before you apply the oil or stain:
Using a artist brush apply a coat of BLO or Finish Varnish over the exposed end grain.
You can test a cut off first to see if it will be too light in color, if so you can add a bit of the oil stain to tint.

When dry, finish as you normally do.
You've only sealed off that sucking end grain that tends to pull toward the darker side.

We do this often when doing custom stairways, cabinets and built ins. Where ever 'End Grain' Pops it's ugly head.

Really nice job

[Peter Laidler]

But when you are an Armourer doing the job, you try to use the closest colour of wood that you have access to BUT you want/hope that people see the quality of your work. Especially if you are newly out of your apprenticeship. That's when your work is being tacitly marked by the Armourer Sergeant or the Out Inspector.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Worthey of original work in my view. I am always impressed with the original patch work on the Enfields. I have done a couple of repairs with good results. Very satisfying endeavor.

[Claven2]

Claven2,
I have a finish tip if your interested.
To keep the end grain of your Pegs and Cookies or Wedges lighter in appearance before you apply the oil or stain:
Using a artist brush apply a coat of BLO or Finish Varnish over the exposed end grain.
You can test a cut off first to see if it will be too light in color, if so you can add a bit of the oil stain to tint.

When dry, finish as you normally do.
You've only sealed off that sucking end grain that tends to pull toward the darker side.

We do this often when doing custom stairways, cabinets and built ins. Where ever 'End Grain' Pops it's ugly head.

Really nice job

Thanks. Actually I usuallly oil the finished piece with RLO twice before applying an oil based leather stain to color match. After 30 mins, I add a RLO/beeswax coat and let sit for a few hours then rub off. This takes off most of the excess surface stain, and a couple days of drying later the wax content helps it buff up.

So in this case, the end grain of the pegs was oiled before staining

[painter777]

Well it looks nice and real solid.
We all have our own ways...

[husk]

Just awesome.

[Surpmil]

Superb.

Those bamboo chopsticks and skewers are very useful once they leave the kitchen. Much stronger than any hardwood dowel, and great for filling screw holes: dip in the glue, tap them home, cut off flush and done. Re-point the chopstick on the belt sander and repeat.

[Claven2]

I use a pencil sharpener - even faster than the belt sander - lol.