Stock Repair Opinion Needed

[pastprime]

This stock came with a 1903A3 kit that I bought recently. It is a straight stock with several decent cartouches and I would like to use it instead of buying another original or repro..



It has several deep dings and dents and I like the "character" marks. But, I would consider repairing the chunk of wood missing if it is possible/practical. I have a little wood working experience but have done very little repairing; especially on older wood pieces.

I am open to any suggestions, techniques to use, tools needed, probably of sucess comments, etc...

Thanks,
Hank

Information

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[Mike D]

The arsenal would take a square chunk out and replace it using epoxy. Notice the seperate pieces in the pic below. San Antonio rebuild stamp nearby. Brownells sells epoxy that can be dyed brown (Acraglass, I think). [/QUOTE][/IMG]

[pastprime]

Thank you, Mke and thanks more for the picture...I have used Acraglas for bedding but did not think of using it for the stock repair. And, that type repair would work fine on my stock.

[mdrim13]

The way posted above is about the only way to repair missing wood but if you want to get out the dings and dents place a damp paper towel over the dent and use a sodering iron on top of the paper towel for heat to steam out the dents. this is very effictive and practicle with no refinishing needed. Hope this helps.

[pastprime]

I'm going to leave the dents and dings for now...they just seem appropriate on this one.

Now if anyone has a 3"x1/2"x1/2" piece of old growth, tight grain walnut laying around, I'd sure like to buy it...

[Mike D]

I might have something, I'll check. Another good use for cut down sporter stocks.

[pastprime]

PM sent. Thanks again, Mike..
Hank

[pastprime]

Well, I am going to try patching the stock. Today I used my utility knife to make these steps. I've got a little more squaring up to do but I believe I can cut a piece of wood with corresponding steps in it and use Acraglas to put it in place. It will not be a perfect fit but the Acraglas should fill in nicely. We shall see.

As I said before, anyone whose done this type repair, feel free to jump in here with advice..

[Midmichigun]

PP,
I look forward to your progress.
I have done alot of wood repair on different forums... for Remy Rollingblocks, Martini Henry G's, and G88's. Have yet to do serious work on a 1903.... but techniques would be similar.
Thoroughly degrease the wood, so your epoxy will bond.
Acraglas seems to be the clear "popular" contest winner. However, I have used slow cure 2 part epoxy's with good effect. You want something slow so it can penetrate and harden up. Acraglas seems to be the popular choice since it is used in bedding... and can be easily stained.
If you can, grab old wood (from scrap 1903's) to do repairs. As a last resort, I have gone to "wood" boutiques such as WoodCrafters (etc) for hardwood matching.
Generally I make sure all joints are tight, and leave extra "repair" sections to plane down. I would have to glue in a repair that was to small, or wouldn't allow sanding.
Most people seem to use surgical tubing to hold the wood repair sections in place. It conforms to the wood, and can be made tight. Typical clamps if improperly used, can damage wood. If you do end up with a lighter wood, you can tint the donor to match.... As many people note, a "military" repair will be visible, but not extremely noticeable.
Steps may work for you... but I prefer the KISS method. A long straight edge with two 90degree angles would be easier to make, than a series of steps. JMHO.
You will find that experience is the best teacher....
Good luck and post your results!

[pastprime]

It ain't pretty but its mine...



I've got a little more work to do on the staining and finish but overall I'm Ok with the way it turned out. As I said, the stock has lots of "character" marks and the patch kind of fits in. It would be a little less noticable but the Acraglas seems to take and hold the stain more than wood so there is a dark outline around the patch.

Thanks a bunch Mike D. The wood was perfect. And, thanks for all the advice from others.

Hank