Incised Molding Lines -Kibler Colonial

[grabenkater]

Been watching (multiple times) Jim’s videos on YouTube and Mike Brooks and Wayne Estes’ videos. In one of the videos with Mr Estes, he uses a single line checkering tool to cut molding lines in the forearm. I have searched online for a tool like this one. Can someone please point me in the right direction?

I want to gather the correct tools before my kit arrives.

[Stoner creek]

I think that I bought that cutter from Log Cabin shop. I’ve had it for 25 years. You can also probably find one from Brownells. I hope that this helps.

[Craig Wilcox]

Try Gunline Checkering tools, located in California.

[Stoner creek]

Here’s the tool. It could be made easily I believe.

[galudwig]

I’ve had one of those for years. Mine was made by long time gunstock checkering tool maker Dem-Bart. My old cutter was dull and I recently purchased a new supply from them.

https://www.dembartco.com/

[smylee grouch]

I have several of those single line cutters that work great but a serviceable one can be made with a bent three corner file. Break the tip off, heat it up with a propane torch and bend it close to the broken tip.

[grabenkater]

So, it appears Dem Bart is no longer in business. Webpage is dead and no one answers the phone. Is there anyone else making these tools?

[ClaMar]

Steve Earle sells cutters that look like the old Gunline cutters.

I have an Ullman one cutter designed to make sure lines are straight. That's what I use.

[J Shingler]

Might try looking for Ullman brand. I am not seeing much on the Dem-Bart

[Martin S.]

https://www.ullmanprecision.com/product/hand-cutter-type-1-5-8/

75 or 90 degrees?

Push or pull?

I'd like to use it for the same thing as the OP.

[Mike Brooks]

Push. Use a narrow one.

[smart dog]

Hi,
GunLine tools seems to still be going.  Their prices have skyrocketed since I bought tools from them 9 years ago.  I would urge you to get the longest cutter you can.  They make a 60 degree "joiner" which might be the best choice for doing long molding lines. My long cutter was made in England and I've had it for decades.  The photos below show the sequence I use and the tools.













dave

[Bob Gerard]

That looks like a good tool to make!

[davec2]

To start cutting molding lines on a forestock I have used the technique of drawing a nice straight pencil line, following that with a veiner, and then straightening with a file, checkering tool, etc.  They all work and all have their utility but all of them rely on getting the first line nice and straight.  Quite some time ago now I stumbled on these two videos about an easy way to make a "beading" tool:





So when I saw the above links I thought, wow, that might be an easy way to get that first straight groove in place easily.  So I made this very complicated tool:



And then ran it up and down the ram rod channel lips on a rifle.....like this.....



I used it first as a marking gage with just the smooth edge of the screw indenting a line in the maple.  Then I turned it so that the screw slot actually cut wood.  I have to tell you, that was the quickest, easiest, most sure fire way I have put a very straight groove in the forestock without fighting the grain or the natural wobble of the other tools / methods I tried.  Once the initial line is establish, the rest os fairly straight forward....

[smylee grouch]

Good technique's from both the Dave's. 

[P.W.Berkuta]

As Smart Dog said that checkering tool is called a "jointer" checkering tool and is to keep your checkering lines straight if they start to wonder. This tool is normally made by the gunstocker. I have seen them being produced but that was MANY years ago and I forgot by who. They can very easily be made out of O-1 drill rod and files . No need to harden and temper them as you will need to resharpen them when they get dull.

[Mike Brooks]

I have watched H. House cut them with an exacto knife free hand....not even a line to go by.

[grabenkater]

If I attempted that Mike, it would look like Michael J Fox done it.

[Eric Krewson]

I use a knife edge file after I cut a starting line with a small Vee gouge. The long file keeps everything very straight.

[J Shingler]

Yes and I have watched Frank House cut them in the curved front portion of a pocket knife. Rocking it back and forth walking down his line. Sometimes marginal tools and talent outshine some of us even with the best of tools. Or at least me.
Jeff

[Matt Evans]

Very informative

[Bob Roller]

My wood working skills are identical to that of JUD BRENNAN's very young son. .Anyone that can freehand those lines is proof we are not alone in the universe. .
Bob Roller

[Jerry]

Here’s the tool. It could be made easily I believe.

Stoner, I have made several of these before. They work very well. I made mine out of different diameters of round drill rod. Jerry

[Not English]

Lot's of good info. I use a veiner followed by a small chunk of a halfround file to straighten the line out. To relieve one side of the line, it's a combination of  chisels  and the small piece of half round file. I also made a tool similar to the one made in "Recreating the American Longrifle". A double line checker tool makes a really nice inscribed line at the bottom of your moulding.