Author Topic: Big boo boo  (Read 2765 times)

Offline BarryE

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Big boo boo
« on: March 28, 2019, 05:25:44 PM »
Ok, It was all going too good.  I had my stock suspended with a piece of wire while putting what may have been the last coat of finish on and the wire broke.  The wrist has a small half pea sized ding in it.  Already well oiled,  too deep to sand out and I doubt it will steam back to the original level even if I strip the area.  Any ideas?

Offline Dale Halterman

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2019, 05:35:27 PM »
I would try steaming if no has a better idea. I have steamed out some pretty deep dings with repeated applications.

Dale H

Offline BOB HILL

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2019, 05:38:34 PM »
I was posting the same thing that Dale posted. That’s what I would try, too.
 Bob
South Carolina Lowcountry

Offline BarryE

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2019, 05:42:46 PM »
I forgot the picture.


Offline E.vonAschwege

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2019, 06:00:59 PM »
For steaming very small areas like that, I heat a small piece of flat steel with a torch, and hold a wet paper towel on the dent, then press the heated steel onto it (mind you, don't heat it to glowing, just hot enough to burn you).  It will create a concentrated burst of steam - your best chance of removing the dent.  I've brought out some serious dents using this method, and the rest get finished into the gun as patina.  You may still have to refinish that area to a degree.
-Eric
Former Gunsmith, Colonial Williamsburg www.vonaschwegeflintlocks.com

Lzymtlsmth

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2019, 07:46:23 PM »
I’d call it a “beauty mark” and move on.

Offline Dale Halterman

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2019, 09:59:34 PM »
I've steamed out worse than that with an old soldering iron and a damp piece of cloth.

Dale H

Offline Gordy

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2019, 10:52:14 PM »
Could put an inlay over the ding...
Just sayin....

Offline Justin Urbantas

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #8 on: March 28, 2019, 10:58:59 PM »
Yeah, a thumb piece inlay is a good idea

Offline J Henry

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #9 on: March 29, 2019, 01:15:32 AM »
  Leave it alone,you could do more damage trying to repair it,eventually it will get some dings and scuffs.

Offline Jim Chambers

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #10 on: March 29, 2019, 04:32:13 AM »
I have steamed out many dings using an old style oil can, the one with a long spout and you press on the bottom to expel the oil.  I put a small amount of water in the can, screw on the lid/spout, sit the can on top of my vice with the jaws opened to expose the bottom of the can, and heat the bottom of the can with a propane torch.  Soon, steam will be coming out of the end of the spout with considerable pressure.  Steam under pressure will remove just about any ding even when the gun is finished.

Offline smylee grouch

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #11 on: March 29, 2019, 04:43:04 AM »
Thanks for that tip Jim.  :)

Offline crankshaft

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #12 on: March 29, 2019, 04:50:05 AM »


Can it correct bad inleting?  ? :'(

Offline Dave B

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #13 on: March 29, 2019, 05:49:21 AM »
Great Idea Jim, that's what I love about this place you always pick up cool bits and pieces as you watch others work through the day in done that stuff my self day out.
Dave Blaisdell

Offline acorn20

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #14 on: March 29, 2019, 06:06:43 AM »
Jim, that's a great idea and some of the best advice I've seen on here in a while.  That, is worth remembering! Thanks.
Dan
Dan Akers

Offline Jerry V Lape

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #15 on: March 29, 2019, 10:13:46 AM »
I have a steamer used to clean floors, showers and upholstery.  Works on dents too and to bend wood. 

Offline BarryE

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #16 on: March 29, 2019, 01:28:55 PM »
Thanks to all.  Jim, I just happen to have an old oil can like you described.   I'll give that a shot.

Offline David R. Pennington

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #17 on: March 29, 2019, 02:24:58 PM »
I would be too busy noticing the real nice carving to see the little ding. Show us the completed project when it's finished please.
VITA BREVIS- ARS LONGA

Offline BOB HILL

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #18 on: March 29, 2019, 02:50:17 PM »
Great tip, Jim. I’ve used an old steam iron I keep in the shop for years. I’ve got one of those old oil cans. I’ll give it a go next time I have this problem.
Bob
South Carolina Lowcountry

Offline Eric Krewson

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #19 on: March 29, 2019, 03:59:34 PM »
I bought an old steam iron at a thrift shop for $2, no tell how many dings I have removed with it and a damp washcloth.

I have posted this picture before; I decided to build a Renegade out of random parts. The stock was in the corner of my friends shop and looked like someone had batted rocks with it, literally.
They had also taken a couple of swings at it with a hatchet, not cutting but deeply denting the wood.

This wasn't a one shot deal, over a few days and repeated steamings I got out all but the hatchet marks and I brought them up to be minor and easily filled with super glue and sawdust. On the dark walnut stock they are barely visible.




Offline Mr. Bubbles

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #20 on: March 29, 2019, 08:11:03 PM »
I'd just leave it and live with it.  If you steam it or put in an inlay you will wind up removing or mucking up the finish and stain Nd have to redo the the whole stock before you're happy with it, and that may cause more heartache.. 

Offline Ecramer

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #21 on: March 29, 2019, 08:18:06 PM »
I hesitate to reply -- I'm not builder enough to comment in this esteemed crowd -- but original guns were hunted, and hunted guns accumulate dings. I wouldn't have fixed it, I'd have just said "Bounced up against old Dan'l during that Cumberland fight," and moved on.

Offline delivered

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #22 on: March 29, 2019, 10:26:12 PM »
Send it to Mike and let him finish destressing it Ha
"Ruining the future for liberals, one child at a time."

Davemuzz

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #23 on: March 30, 2019, 12:02:41 AM »
I hesitate to reply -- I'm not builder enough to comment in this esteemed crowd -- but original guns were hunted, and hunted guns accumulate dings. I wouldn't have fixed it, I'd have just said "Bounced up against old Dan'l during that Cumberland fight," and moved on.

All my firearms look great when bot...or done being built. After one day of hunting....no matter what.....they look like they have been taken out many, many times. Hey...that's life. These are meant to be used....and use causes stuff to happen!!  But as long as you're having fun...... 8)

Offline BarryE

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Re: Big boo boo
« Reply #24 on: April 03, 2019, 05:07:37 AM »
Well, steaming was partially successful. I decided that as I will age the gun anyway, it will now fit right in.  Off to the range to sight her in and then final finish.