Dave Hawksford
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with the talk of tung oil I thought I'd share this 54 cal Flintlock I built in 83.
After carving the stock I started the sanding process. Using a damp sponge Id wimp the stock down to raise the maple grain after each sanding with 400 grit. Until I didn't get any furling at all. Then use Hope's 100 % Tung Oil. I would place a drop on my palm and rub into the wood. After about 5 applications I use steelwooled. And started again with the single drop rubbing it into the finish. Eventually each 4 drops would do the entire surface. After about 25 applications I ended up with a highly polished rifle. Unbeknownst to be it was a bit to shiny for what was period. I was a pilgrim LOL
But as you can see this rifle has been used in many reenactments, shoots and on hunting excursions. It still has that high shine.
I did leave enough wood on the stock to one day work it down with some fine carving and raised tiger grain. It's become a hard choice for me. Do I leave my girl alone to remember my 1st wood project I did in a tiny hole in the wall room with because our 2nd bath at the house or do what I extended for her.
After carving the stock I started the sanding process. Using a damp sponge Id wimp the stock down to raise the maple grain after each sanding with 400 grit. Until I didn't get any furling at all. Then use Hope's 100 % Tung Oil. I would place a drop on my palm and rub into the wood. After about 5 applications I use steelwooled. And started again with the single drop rubbing it into the finish. Eventually each 4 drops would do the entire surface. After about 25 applications I ended up with a highly polished rifle. Unbeknownst to be it was a bit to shiny for what was period. I was a pilgrim LOL
But as you can see this rifle has been used in many reenactments, shoots and on hunting excursions. It still has that high shine.
I did leave enough wood on the stock to one day work it down with some fine carving and raised tiger grain. It's become a hard choice for me. Do I leave my girl alone to remember my 1st wood project I did in a tiny hole in the wall room with because our 2nd bath at the house or do what I extended for her.
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