Tung oil finish

[Dave Hawksford]

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.

 

[Dan Noren]

i'd say leave 'er be. carving would just take away from good looks.

 

[Jim DeLaney]

I'd leave her be. BTW, I really like that wooden patch box cover. They're usually brass, but the wood one looks much better.

 

[Darren Wright]

Beautiful work for an amateur Dave. I'd agree, leave it be.

 

[David Johnson]

My vote don't mess with a beautiful grain.
David

 

[Dave Hawksford]

I hear you all. My gut says leave it but I see what could be. I can always build another. If I find the time.

 

[steve ramsey]

Leave it as is, beautiful. You can always build another and carve it.

 

[larry merlau]

leave it alone and build a new one..

 

[Paul Douglass]

I think you got the answer.. Leave it be.... make another with less grain so it won't detract from the carving you want to do.

 

[bill kaminski]

devils advocate here...you built it, and had a vision for it when you did ... looking forward to whatever you decide

 

[Dave Hawksford]

devils advocate here...you built it, and had a vision for it when you did ... looking forward to whatever you decide

Amazing who one remake can turn me right back around to remember my intentions. At this point building another is the best option. My son Jarrod will probably inherent this. Thanks for your opinion.

 

[Frank Fusco]

Leave as is. The wear marks are tell the story of the life of the rifle. And, I agree, pure tung is far and away the best choice for a final finish on a rifle, or any other wood stocked gun. With no gun building experience (I haven't improved much since ) I used pure tung on a Brown Bess built from a kit. Unlike you, I just slathered on, and in mortises. The resulting finish was a bit shiny so I just rubbed it down with four aught steel wool. Even though that gun has been used many times in a variety of weather conditions it still looks fine. Tung is tough and water resistant. Enuf about me. Yer rifle is a beautiful piece. Ye dun gud.