| Anyone who has
ever checkered a gunstock knows that you need a good checkering
cradle. It doesn't have to be elaborate, just something that you can
clamp in a vise and that will hold the stock securely on a rotating
axis. Here it is! You supply a standard 2x4 about 42 inches long and
attach the hardware from this kit to create an inexpensive, but
first rate checkering cradle. The rear upright is adjustable for
tension; you can firm up or lock the tension when laying out the
panels, then loosen it slightly when you start checkering. Clamp the
2x4 in your vise horizontally, as shown, when laying out the
checkering panels; then reposition it to a comfortable more vertical
position for checkering. You will probably want to flip it
end-for-end to checker the crossing lines. Regularly adjust the
height of the cradle in the vise to keep the checkering cutter in
that sweet spot that gives you the best visibility of the front edge
of the cutter and most control of the checkering tool in the
grooves. The Miles Gilbert Checkering Cradle. Don't try to learn
checkering without one! |
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