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Joined: 08 Dec 2016 Posts: 169 Location: Michigan

Hey all,

Since I've got some time on my hands - was going to take a run at rubbing down a few guns with some linseed.

Will be the first time I've done it - I have one of the base model FAIR SxS's and a Superlight Feather that I'm looking to do. Both base models, so the wood is pretty plain and seems dry/pourous.

I seem to have a handle on the process, just not quite sure on what exactly to do regarding the checkering......should I -

1) Tape off and ignore just concentrate on the rest of the stock/forearm - do one light coat at the end
2) Treat same as rest of the wood
3) Treat like rest of wood but use an old toothbrush or something similar during the "wipe down" phase prior to drying?

Appreciate any insight/experience from those that have done this before. While these aren't 'pretty' guns by any stretch and have already picked up a few badges of honor from the woods, I'd still like to do as nice a job as possible.

Thanks in advance,
Rob

Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

I do not tape anything off, it takes very little, I mean very little oil.
I always, just dip my finger in, smear on palm or heel of my hand and work over the wood, staying away from checkering. Forend I just use the oil left on my fingers and rub in.

Joined: 29 Nov 2018 Posts: 23 Location: United States

I agree with Hootch. I don't tape any off and it doesn't take that much oil but I love the finished product. I usually do it once a year or every other year if they have light use.

Joined: 24 Jul 2016 Posts: 548 Location: Ohio

Get a little in the checkering VERY LITTLE and yes use a toothbrush. Ithaca actually tells you to do it when you buy one of their 37's. when you rub the oil in the stock rub it hard enough that your fingers and palm get warm. On average it takes about a week to dry.

I used to use BLO a lot but gave up on in favour of polymerized tung oil. Regardless, it doesn’t hurt to cut the first application or two with 50% turpentine. It penetrates better and doesn’t stay tacky for a long time. It’s also not an issue if you get it int the checkering.

The advice of “use very little” is important. Too thick and it seems to take forever to dry. Count on doing many (20+) very light applications over a very long period of time. Once you get it rubbed in, it’s a great finish that is easy to freshen up.

*Last edited by skeettx on Sun Apr 26, 2020 7:57 am; edited 1 time in total*

I like lin-speed,
With the spar varnish, is stays more
on the surface.

https://www.lin-speed.com/linspeed-instructions/

My stockmaker showed me his method. He dipped one finger in a cap full of oil and shook off his finger. Then he put 7 or 8 dots on the stock and rubbed aggressively with his palm for a minute or so and wiped off with a paper towel. He turned it over and did the same on the other side. He just avoided the checkering. That was one coat and the stock came to life. I am not sure how long it would take to dry before you applied another coat but the stock was not sticky when he finished and I just put the gun in the sleeve and took it home.

Good Hunting,
Mike

Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

Yes, that is what I do!
Cannot find my can, shut in due to this pandemic thing, have quite a few that could use a rubbing!

Joined: 21 Sep 2019 Posts: 31 Location: Lake Taupo, NZ

Just came across this and thought I'd throw my $0.02 in.
I was taught when it came to cricket bats the idea was:

A very thin layer applied

Once a day for a week
Once a week for a month
Once a month for a year

Then good to go
Have never managed this myself but would love to see the result.
Cheers B.

Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 367

I use the "RAW" linseed oil and the mantra is:

once an hour for a day
once a day for a week,
once a week for a year,
once a year forever.

Joined: 03 Feb 2008 Posts: 830 Location: Adirondak Mtns

[quote="skeettx"]I like lin-speed,
With the spar varnish, is stays more
on the surface.

https://www.lin-speed.com/linspeed-instructions/[/quote]

Joined: 07 Sep 2011 Posts: 567 Location: wheeling, wv

Check out "Timberluxe" gentleman.