Do it yourself Stock making thread

[CStuck]

Hope all of you guys have been well. I sort of started on a new batch of wood. I got a huge burl piece from California and have been working on setting up to dry, it was fairly wet (32%) when I cut it into pieces. So now I have sealed the ends and am thinking of building a solar kiln or just letting them dry for another year or so

 

[joshb]

Those are good looking slabs. I’d be patient and air dry.

 

[CStuck]

Those are good looking slabs. I’d be patient and air dry.

Yeah that's probably what I will do, I dont want to risk drying them too fast and getting a bunch of cracks & checks in the pieces

 

[memilanuk]

I've been thru most of the posts in the thread, and maybe this was covered along the way and I just missed it... and maybe it's different enough to need it's own thread. Just didn't want to get barraged with "use a mill" replies, which I don't have.

Looking at inletting some hardware (fore-end rail) into an existing stock. Not really confident in my 'hand-fitting' skills to make a template from scratch that is a perfect fit. I vaguely recall a technique using a hand-held plunge router with guide bushings to follow the outline of the hardware in question and make one (oversize) template... and then use that template, along with some 'back of the napkin' math to figure the correct offset and correct bushing to cut the final recess. Sort of like a router inlay kit, but more generalized.

I probably have a book buried somewhere (moved this spring and the contents of every bookshelve I had are still in boxes in the shop) that covers this, just haven't found it yet. Somewhat surprisingly, I haven't had much luck finding anything searching forums or YT - granted, that was before someone mentioned the term 'inlay kit', so I do have few more leads now.

@joshb does that ring a bell? Any suggestions there?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Mark it out, score it with a razor blade, then use a sharp wood chisel and carve it away

 

[mao0720]

I've been thru most of the posts in the thread, and maybe this was covered along the way and I just missed it... and maybe it's different enough to need it's own thread. Just didn't want to get barraged with "use a mill" replies, which I don't have.

Looking at inletting some hardware (fore-end rail) into an existing stock. Not really confident in my 'hand-fitting' skills to make a template from scratch that is a perfect fit. I vaguely recall a technique using a hand-held plunge router with guide bushings to follow the outline of the hardware in question and make one (oversize) template... and then use that template, along with some 'back of the napkin' math to figure the correct offset and correct bushing to cut the final recess. Sort of like a router inlay kit, but more generalized.

I probably have a book buried somewhere (moved this spring and the contents of every bookshelve I had are still in boxes in the shop) that covers this, just haven't found it yet. Somewhat surprisingly, I haven't had much luck finding anything searching forums or YT - granted, that was before someone mentioned the term 'inlay kit', so I do have few more leads now.

@joshb does that ring a bell? Any suggestions there?

If the sides of your stock are parallel to the bore, you can use use an edge guide for your router. I’ve done this several times to inlet for anschutz rails and for some of the rough shaping of another stock. It works very well.

 

[CStuck]

I've been thru most of the posts in the thread, and maybe this was covered along the way and I just missed it... and maybe it's different enough to need it's own thread. Just didn't want to get barraged with "use a mill" replies, which I don't have.

Looking at inletting some hardware (fore-end rail) into an existing stock. Not really confident in my 'hand-fitting' skills to make a template from scratch that is a perfect fit. I vaguely recall a technique using a hand-held plunge router with guide bushings to follow the outline of the hardware in question and make one (oversize) template... and then use that template, along with some 'back of the napkin' math to figure the correct offset and correct bushing to cut the final recess. Sort of like a router inlay kit, but more generalized.

I probably have a book buried somewhere (moved this spring and the contents of every bookshelve I had are still in boxes in the shop) that covers this, just haven't found it yet. Somewhat surprisingly, I haven't had much luck finding anything searching forums or YT - granted, that was before someone mentioned the term 'inlay kit', so I do have few more leads now.

@joshb does that ring a bell? Any suggestions there?

Does this fit your idea?

This is a video I took on my very first inlet, my uncle running the router

@milanuk

 

[memilanuk]

Does this fit your idea?

This is a video I took on my very first inlet, my uncle running the router.

That's the final portion of what I had in mind, but it's getting the template made that I was asking about.

 

[Fast14riot]

That's the final portion of what I had in mind, but it's getting the template made that I was asking about.

Routers have fairly "basic" dimensions, like 5" base, 1/2" diameter bit (example only) so making the jig is just adding those dimensions into the cutting path. Example: you want to cut a 1" wide by 10" long channel. Your router base is 5" diameter and bit is 1/2" diameter, so your boundaries will be 1/2" wider and longer than the base. So a 5.5" by 10.5" jig in this example. This is because with a 1/2" diameter bit, you are cutting 1/4" either side of the center of the bit.

 

[Twdmar]

Mark it out, score it with a razor blade, then use a sharp wood chisel and carve it away

The chisel is not fast to inlet but works very well if sharp. Where the chisel really shines is, though progress is slow, you will make catastrophic errors much slower. If you're patient you will get a very nice inlet.
On laminate though the chisel is harder to use due to the crossing grains and glue but real wood cuts so nice.

 

[yukonal]

Mark it out, score it with a razor blade, then use a sharp wood chisel and carve it away

If I didn't have a mill, that's the way I'd do it.

 

[joshb]

I've been thru most of the posts in the thread, and maybe this was covered along the way and I just missed it... and maybe it's different enough to need it's own thread. Just didn't want to get barraged with "use a mill" replies, which I don't have.

Looking at inletting some hardware (fore-end rail) into an existing stock. Not really confident in my 'hand-fitting' skills to make a template from scratch that is a perfect fit. I vaguely recall a technique using a hand-held plunge router with guide bushings to follow the outline of the hardware in question and make one (oversize) template... and then use that template, along with some 'back of the napkin' math to figure the correct offset and correct bushing to cut the final recess. Sort of like a router inlay kit, but more generalized.

I probably have a book buried somewhere (moved this spring and the contents of every bookshelve I had are still in boxes in the shop) that covers this, just haven't found it yet. Somewhat surprisingly, I haven't had much luck finding anything searching forums or YT - granted, that was before someone mentioned the term 'inlay kit', so I do have few more leads now.

@joshb does that ring a bell? Any suggestions there?

I just noticed your post. The move and Christmas have most of my attention. Dusty pointed out the easiest solution. It may actually be faster than setting up a jig.

A small bearing bit is what you could use. The one with the bearing at the top, which will ride in the slot in the ply. Cut a slot in a 3/4 inch piece of plywood the same size as your rail. Clamp your stock down to a bench. Use blocks on either side of the stock to support the plywood over the stock. Line up the slot in the ply with where you want it on the stock and clamp it down. Then it’s just a matter of routing the channel. I’d use a 1/4” bit. Don’t cut too much depth at a pass. Maybe take 1/8” at a time. Good luck and Merry Christmas!
Josh

 

[Seagull]

Here's a few pics of what I've been working on of late.

 

[joshb]

Nice projects! I have GOT to find some time to make some stocks! I’m doing screen doors, now.

 

[hoz53]

Nice projects! I have GOT to find some time to make some stocks! I’m doing screen doors, now.

what kind of wood are you using for the screen doors? Seems to me a walnut screen door would be really cool.

 

[joshb]

what kind of wood are you using for the screen doors? Seems to me a walnut screen door would be really cool.

Oak! I was going to make you a desk but I find out you left that stock in a corner.....................

 

[hoz53]

Oak! I was going to make you a desk but I find out you left that stock in a corner.....................

No not in a corner by any means. I dont need another desk anyhow. Youre such a great guy Thanks

 

[Bc'z]

Nice projects! I have GOT to find some time to make some stocks! I’m doing screen doors, now.

I wish you'd get after it.

 

[Seagull]

Another 1 I've been working in for my 2 boys. Its a howa 223 hunting rifle I built a stock for so they can shoot ftr. Plus a couple of 1 piece V block trigger guard systems for another couple of fv open builds I'm working.

 

[joshb]

Bump for skeetlee.