1903 a3 Stock is oozing oil

[browningautorifle]

Varsol is the Canadian brand name of same thing as what our Southern cousins call mineral spirits.

Yes, so have I. Let's stop measuring dicks... We're not talking about Varsol or volatile mineral spirits. These chemicals are the ones I mentioned above specifically and more.

Doesn't matter. I doubt he will go that route. Most don't.

[Kingfisher]

Thanks Sunray. A close look at the wood indicates no soft spots, so far so good. But that's my concern; if I do nothing, will the embedded oil have an adverse affect on the stock? I like the idea of returning the wood to it's issue condition, however, I'm a little reluctant to have someone use steam, toluene etc on the wood. Could that cause cracks and such?

[Kingfisher]

I would like to thank everyone for their advise, even if I did appear to ruffle some feathers. I will certainly look into the professional refinishing, however I was a little concerned about the use of steam, acetone, and other volatile s on an 80 year old piece of history. But I'm sure I will get assurance from the wood re-finishing guy. Like I said in my original post, I don't mind wiping off the oil, or that my hands smell like gun oil, I was more worried about the adverse affects of the oil on the wood. This is a great site, with a wealth of experience. I am glad I found it. One quick lesson that I learned though, don't navigate off the quick reply page, else you will loose all you have typed... guess you guys know that.

sincerely,

Paul

[Aragorn243]

I have an 03a3 that seeps also. It's never been enough to bother me enough to do anything about it. I have however cleaned about two dozen stocks that were soaked in cosmoline. My preferred method is in the sun on the dashboard of my truck. Drawback is this only really works mid spring to mid fall which about 3/4's of the year. Never put it in a garbage bag, just put some heavy papers under it and pointed the truck in the direction of the sun. Two or three days with periodic wiping down pretty much gets it all out. When it stops seeping, I give it a wash with citristrip and rinse in the shower with very hot water. Water drys out in about two hours and it's ready for new boiled linseed oil. Never had a crack or warping of any kind. The worst problem I have had involved soft woods that get a little "fuzzy" when done. Light steel wool takes care of that. Walnut like on an 03a3 comes out very nice. No fuzzy.