Stock Inletting Question

[James Stella]

I stripped the finish off my Lyman GPR so I could refinish it. See below picture on progress.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90803536@N08/8241347345

What I would like to do is take the ivory from the elk I shot and inlet it into the bottom of the stock. See pic #2. I have never done anything like this before and am looking for some tool suggestions. What would you use to do an inlet job like this?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/90803536@N08/8241346995/in/photostream



Thank you.

 

[Col. Batguano]

Very fine jewelers' tools, and fine gouges. If you're going to glue it in, then glue. Pins would be better, so you'll need a pin vice and itsy bitsy drill bits. A polishing stone or wheel to polish up the ivory. Lastly, and most importantly, you'll need good light, and an ability to see the fine detail. And a decent vice or ability to hold your work. Comfortable place to sit and work. Patience is a must too, so cut out a piece of paper in your design and place it on your stock to get a good idea of what the finished piece will look like before you start gouging out wood. Odds are you will change your mind more than once.

 

[James Stella]

Thanks. Where would be a good place to look for these items?

 

[Col. Batguano]

You can find a lot of this stuff at places like Woodcraft and Rockler. (vices, stones, and woodworking stuff)

Hobby shops that specialize in model railroading have a lot of the fine tools, such as a pin vice and small drill bits.

For the engraving stuff, I have yet to find anyplace that's all over the place, so I resort to the web, and places like e-bay.

Then, lastly, there are the Marine stores, like West Marine for certain finishes.

There are specialty hardware stores out there that have EVERY type of bolt and screw you can imagine, but they're national, and web based. So you might very well wind up paying $4.00+ $6.00 S&H for a box of 100 #3 flathead brass screws, when you only need 2.

 

[James Stella]

Copy thanks.

 

[Birddog6]

You could inlet that with a Exacto knife & a small halfround gouge & a drill.
However, with the shape & depth of that tooth, I don't see a neat way of inletting it to where it will embellish the stock, as you will most likely end up with filler around it & that will hinder the looks rather than embellish it. I think if it were me, I would put it off another 7 years & reevaluate the idea, your photo says Jan 2005. :idunno:

Those GPR's are great rifles for the $ At one time I owned 3 of them.

Keith Lisle

 

[jdkerstetter]

It you are really set on doing it, and as shown with the cusp facing out/up, then I suggest you get a dentist friend to cut the tooth off just below it's widest point. I've never tried to cut tooth. Maybe you could do it yourself. Google it up.

The reason I say this is I don't think you want it sticking out very far anyway and it is normal when inletting any part to have a slight draft on it. With it cut off just where the tooth starts to taper in, you won't have as much wood to remove and can inlet it so the wides portion is flush with the wood so no filler will be required around it, if done carefully. This will leave the cusp just proud of the wood.

You could even cut off a little more if you want it more flush and file a draft on it where necessary.

'Twere mine, I might just drill a hole in it and attach a rawhide lanyard or braid and hang it off my trigger guard.

I think inletting it could be easily done once cut off. Enjoy, J.D.

 

[Robby]

Jay, Were it mine, I would do as JD suggested, drill it and hang it. If someone asked me to do as you wish it to be done, then this is what I would do.
Brass 1/16" thick, drill and file a bevel to the contour of the tooth to a degree that lets as much of the dome of the tooth protrude as you feel looks good. Shape the perimeter of the escutcheon to whatever decorative style suits you, cut the tooth off a bit, glue it to the bezel and inlay. It is pretty cool looking tooth as viewed from the top. Good

luck!!!
Robby

 

[jdkerstetter]

Nice Robby. Good idea using the inlay as a surround for the tooth. That would give a clean look and set it off nicely.

Achieving a file to fit it in brass is likely going to be easier than getting a nice tight fit in the wood.

Enjoy, J.D.

 

[Lock Nut]

I'm confused here. No offence, but why would one want to stick a tooth in a gun stock?
Is there some kinda significance to that or was it common practice back in the day? :hmm:

just curious

 

[Col. Batguano]

No offence, but why would one want to stick a tooth in a gun stock?

YOu haven't built many things before have you? these things continue to be frustrating. During the process, they continue to seem to be saying; "bite me".

It's his way of taking out "builder's revenge" on the darn thing.

 

[Bill Hall]

Consider putting that ivory on a necklace and wearing it when you shoot and hunt. I have three daughters running around with elk tooth necklaces, it brings them good luck. All my girls are pretty and in their 20's and I have no grandkids yet, so it must be working :thumbsup: . Bill