General discussion > Gun Building

Fill grain on walnut English fowler?

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Lone Wolf:
Would the grain have been filled on an early to mid 1700s English fowler?  Howbout a British style fowler made in the colonies?

smart dog:
Hi,
I have never read any detailed description of how stocks on British guns were finished in the 18th century.    We do have information about furniture and cabinet makers. A common practice was to rub the surface vigorously with linseed oil and a flat pumice stone to create a slurry.  The slurry was then wiped or scraped off.  The linseed oil would not dry so the slurry was soft unlike if you do the same today but use a modern finish that dries quickly.  Using modern finishes, you have to sand off the dried crust, which is no problem.  We know that varnishes, probably linseed oil based, were used but not much beyond that until well into the 19th century.  However, when you look at originals, you never see any open grain.  The surface is smooth, the grain is filled, and the finish has a satin to glossy look.  No dull "in the wood" oil finishes that some modern builders use.  Therefore, they either filled the grain with a filler or sealer, or they applied enough varnish to fill the grain completely.  That is true even for military and trade guns.    Here are examples of 2 modest quality English fowlers and 2 military guns.
   













Keep in mind they did have sandpaper in the 18th century.  It was usually made with crushed glass and they had abrasive powders and rushes for sanding and smoothing.  They were not restricted to scraping only.   

dave

okawbow:
Artist’s were using shellac to seal paintings by the 17th century. Violin makers were using shellac as a ground in the 18th century. Gunmakers May have also used it to seal grain at that time, and certainly some used in in the 18th century.
I dissolve ruby shellac flakes in alcohol and use a soft varnish brush to apply several coats as a base to an oil varnish. It dries very fast and one can apply several coats a day. I fine sand or rub down with a 3m pad between coats. Seals the pores and prevents the end grain from turning dark.

Jim Kibler:
Unless walnut is tight grained, I find open pores on a fowling piece to look pretty bad.  They kind of sparkle in the light and just don't look good in my view. 

Jim

Snowmoon:

--- Quote from: Jim Kibler on February 06, 2025, 05:53:06 PM ---Unless walnut is tight grained, I find open pores on a fowling piece to look pretty bad.  The kind of sparkle in the light and just don't look good in my view. 

Jim

--- End quote ---

Hi Jim, I've been meaning to ask about the grain filler product(s) that you like. Perhaps something clear to take the color of stain/finish? My goal is to come out looking glossy and new instead of aged. Very interested in your current thoughts or recommendations as the Kibler crew is working on my piece of English Walnut!

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