Starting Tennessee Rifle build

[Harris]

Im starting a tenn rifle build and wanted to see if maybe anyone on here might have a better way than me for inletting the butt plate. I thought about laying the butt plate on the stock then trace the inside or make a paper templet thats the way i usually fit butt plates. The tenn butt plate its got almost a 90 degree bend with that bend you cant lay it on the stock to trace the inside i guess i could bend it a little and take some of the curve out but i really dont wont to do that . Because i really like that shape with the deep curve it has in it. Im open to all suggestions thanks for your time.

[chuck c.]

If I'm building from plans I make a photo copy of that area and use spray adhesive to attach to some cardboard stock. Then use scissors to cut out the pattern. If you're using a pre-carve be sure to tape some flat board to the stock that will allow you to keep the stock square to your band saw blade as you make your cut. Cut outside your lines and move the butt plate forward as you fit it. In other words give yourself some room so you don't wind up with a length of pull shorter than you wanted.

[Ken G]

I just lay the buttplate on each side and trace like you are planning to do.  Chucks method seems much more precise.  I add a little extra to give myself room for goofs.  Not much but enough I haven't had to explain a shorter LOP than someone wanted.  
The hard part is cutting and removing material.  I have a bandsaw now but I used to use a coping (sp) saw.  Both work but a bandsaw sure is easier.  You can goof a lot faster with a bandsaw too.  Once I start fitting I use a dremel and a wood bur to remove large amounts of material.  Oh, you can goof with a dremel real fast too.  Once it is close I use a rasp.  When real close I swap to a chisel or scraper.  By the way, you can wet the end grain and a scraper will really remove some wood. I use one of those little disposable spray bottles with denatured alcohol in it.
Cheers,
The other Ken

[Meteorman]

trace buttplate on stock.
bandsaw to within 1/4" or so.


1.5" sanding drum on cordless drill (80 or 100 grit) - this does most of my rough to almost finished fitting.
keep it moving in nice smooth arcs up and down the curve.
life got easier once I started using this technique.

finish fit with chisels and gouges, with or across the grain.
LOTS of transfer medium near the endstage.(I'm a lipstick dude )
I like to leave the hump under the buttplate tang/return - don't know if that's how most do it or not.




cool tip about wetting the end grain and using scraper, Ken, thanks!.  will try that.
/Mike M

[Ken G]

Meteor Man,
Great little mini tutorial.  Most of the time I leave the wood underneath the comb as well.  On a TN rifle, it allows you to use a smaller screw in the buttplate comb.  Thanks for posting the pics.
Ken

[Roger Fisher]

Annnnnd, be extra gentle with that skinny toe so you don't break her out.

I like that idea about wetting the end grain while scraping.  Never thought of that, but I swim against the current most times.
+

[smylee grouch]

Yes Ken, I'm with Roger on that end grain thing. Never tried it befor but sure will. Thanks.   Smylee

[Harris]

Thanks fellers i appericate everybodys help and advice i try to post some pictures as i move ahead with this build and thanks for your time  Ken H.

[Ephraim]

I use a light peace of cardboard lay it on a sand bag and push your butplate
 down on the cardboard and trace around the inside of the butplate ,cut out and tape it  to your stock.  That will do it good luck.
Ephraim

[Ken G]

Give it a try.  I use it on the end grain and in the bottom of a patchbox. SOmeone sugegsted it on this board many moons ago.  The alcohol drys faster than water so you reblack your part and fit again. 
Ken

[A.Merrill]

    Ken G, next time when you get done with the wood bur, switch to the sanding drum that comes with the Dremel, easy to control, does not grab and jump around like steel cutting bits and it will cut your inletting time in half. That sanding drum also comes in a smaller size that works great in the lock area.
    I think the Dremel has gotten a bad rap from most people, if they would use the sanding drums and stones on the wood they would find out it is a very handy tool.    AL
   

[Ken G]

Thanks AL.  I'll give it a try.  I can use all the help I can get on a buttplate.  I hate them with a passion. 

[R.W.D.]

Maybe I'm weird but fitting a buttplate has never given me that much trouble.  I really kinda like doing it.  I do hate fitting the toeplate however.  Like I said maybe I'm just weird.

[R.W.D.]

Ken, you are sure right about power tools.  They do let you make mistakes faster.  I generally try to stay away from power tools just to maintain the "spirit" of the build  If that makes any sense to anyone.  Maybe I'm just out in left field.  My Grandfather was a carpenter and it always brings me great pleasure to use his old hand-tools.  His sweat and blood are on those old wooden handles.