Steaming Out Dents in Stock

[RangeHound]

Can someone share the the dark secret of steaming out dents in a stock? Does it need to be stripped to work well? I am working on one now that it is not pulling the dents out very well. I am using a well wash cloth and placing a drop of water in the dent. I then place the iron on the location for about 5 seconds. You help is appreciated.

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[Steven Martin]

RangeHound, I don't think one drop will do anything. I use a soaking wet washcloth and a steam iron on "steam" then steam the H--- out of it for as long as I feel comfortable leaving the iron on the spot. I've also soaked the stock in the bathtub first for a while and that also seems to speed things along (even though CSP members have said that wasn't a good idea). Like stripping wallpaper, more water = easier. HTH, Steve

[Greg H. in Virginia]

If you're gonna refinish the stock anyway, carefully inspect it for any cracks, remove all the metal, then run it through the diswasher, along with the handguard, which goes in the top rack. (I would not recommend this method if your stock has any cracks, however, as the hot water may make them worse).
Be sure and take it out before the dry cycle and let it air-dry for a couple of days. The dishwasher will completely remove the old finish and about 90% of the dents, but will not harm any cartouches. I've run 4 carbine stocks and 2 Garand stocks through the dishwasher, and it works great. The cartouches actually seem to have been enhanced once the old finish was off them.

[McLovin]

I place water in the dents and leave it until it soaks in then I put more water in the dent, after several hours of soaking up water I use an iron with a wet wash cloth. There are times where I will keep putting water in the dent for a couple of days before ironing, it is slow but is works for me.