Transfer dye

[hortonstn]

What do you guys use to check fit on wood to metal fit I hate the black stuff I've used lipstick and dry marker still not impressed I saw jim kimber use a blue substance in one of his movies any ideas what works and isn't so messy

[G_T]

Black stuff. Yep, don't like it. But, it works. I'm all ears!

Gerald

[Ed Wenger]

The blue substance you’ve seen Jim use is probably Prussian Blue.  It’s similar to inletting black.  The best way to use either is to put a small amount on a brush, then brush on a paper towel until it barely leaves a mark.  At that point, you can use the brush on the part to be inletted.  A little goes a long way.

I mostly use an oil lamp and lightly soot whatever needs inlet.



                Ed

[Rich]

I soot the metal over a candle. Some use a magic marker.

[Frank]

I used in letting black for years. Used Prussian blue on my last two guns. The Prussian blue is so much better and not nearly as messy when applied with a toothbrush.

[Tim]

I am using permatex brand prussian blue that I purchased at my local NAPA auto parts.
Other auto parts stores that carry the permatex brand may sell it as well.

[rsells]

I soot the parts using an old lamp.  It has worked for me all these years. 
                                                            Roger Sells

[flehto]

As a toolmaker yrs ago, used Permatex spotting compound so  it was  natural to use it when gunmaking. Used sparingly, as it should  be, a tube lasts a long time. Seeing it doesn't penetrate the wood very deeply, final cleanup is easy.......Fred

[Robin Henderson]

Prussian blue...used sparingly.

[Kevin Houlihan]

 I use an oil lamp on light colored woods. I use red lipstick when I’m working with walnut. While not as common as glass lamps, you can find brass and tin oil lamps fairly cheap at antique stores.
Kevin

[Jeff Durnell]

My mentor pointed me toward Artist oil color Prussian Blue. You can get it at Michaels or whatever art/craft supply store you have near you. It comes in a tiny squeeze tube, about 1/3 of an ounce. Mix a little at a time with Vasoline in a small container until you get the depth of color you want.

There is a ton of pigment in it so a little goes a long way... in mixing... and in use. It transfers well and the Vasoline doesn't really soak in to the wood. I've been working on this rifle and the stock isn't discolored from it at all..... so far.

[Mike Brooks]

I have always used the black stuff. it' is never messy if used properly. I can make approximately 120 guns per little bottle. When I used to teach classes I used to find people that would probably go through one bottle per gun.

[Bill Raby]

I use the black stuff. I use too much of it. But I am getting better!

[hortonstn]

thank you for your input it is appreciated
paul

[jerrywh]

I'm with Mike Brooks on this. I used the black stuff for 60 years with no problems. Most guys use too much that is the problem. I mix my own black stuff.
it's Just some gun oil and some lamp black.

[fm tim]

Very large sharpie

[Muskie]

always used kero lamp until i cleaned the filter on my dehumidifier this spring blacker than coalminers face!!!! now use blue chalkline powder mixed with vasoline. easy clean up!

[t.caster]

I use the black stuff for the barrel, butt pl. and lock internals. Every thing else I just rub the edge of the inlay with my blue pencil. Black pencil works good too. Easy cleanup too!

[Frank]

I use a red lumber crayon when fitting a buttplate. Works good for that purpose.