Restoring a No1 Mk3

[browningautorifle]

It's getting there...

[Peter Laidler]

Picture 2, where the right hand vice is, that's where we had an ARMOURERS HORSE bolted onto our benches. It would overhand the edge of the bench, 1.5" or so wide, hardwood and could be swung into any radial position to make life easy when stripping, assembling or testing any of the weapons. Topped with a leather cover or horsehair matting so as top cause no damage. It was also useful for leaning your elbow on while gazing out of the window or while discussing last nights TV show or last Sundays church sermon, the latest knitting pattern or just how to solve the latest Middle East 'unpleasantness'

[mike16]

your origonal wood looks like Queensland maple. I may be wrong.

but did you ever consider buying some Australian wood or carving up a bit of wood on your own.. Have you searched for or come across any vendors in Australia that sell parts?

[RaunchyRifles]

Tried to find some aussie woods but could not find any. As for making the woods, I'm quite busy at the moment, but I might try in the future.

[RaunchyRifles]

Another update:
So I've started to colour match the woods, here is the outcome so far

Before the tops and bottom didn't match and the tops were really dark and covered in grease. I cleaned them up with some paint stripper and re stained with some BLO + some oil based stains + turpentine

results so far


still needs to hang and dry. Looking good.

[browningautorifle]

I'm very much looking forward to the end results...

[louthepou]

Sorry I'm late following this thread This should turn out to be a great looking SMLE.

Just a quick check - have you bedded the action correctly at the recoil lugs?

Lou

[browningautorifle]

Good to see you around Lou, you've done enough of them...so you can certainly help him.

[Peter Laidler]

You're right BAR. Haven't seen or heard from Lou much lately. Welcome back Lou

[louthepou]

Thanks folks. been a busy little while. Should be here a bit more often now.

Lou