Restoration

[luckylou]

Im thinking of restoring an old black powder rifle the barrel and mech ect are not too bad but the stock has a couple dings and needs stripping and re varnishing
There is a slight chip in the grip to sand out, any advice on stripping the old varnish off and what products to use plus any pitfalls i may hit would be welcome as this will be the first time i have attempted such a project.
Ta Lou

[njaw]

Hi Lou

Is it an antique rifle or a 'modern' reproduction? If it is antique, you must keep in mind that once you strip the wood, the value of the rifle will be reduced.
It's worth keeping in mind that a lot of antique guns are actually oil finished but may look like varnish.

Oil finishes can be removed with fine wire wool and white spirit. I have even used off-the-shelf oven cleaners to good effect.
Varnish can be removed with proprietory removers from b&q. Just follow the instructions on the tin and take your time. The key is not to rush woodwork restoration.
Once the wood is back to the 'white', you can start improving the looks of the wood using very fine grade materials such as wire wool and, if really necessary, wet and dry.
I steam out any dents using a cotton rag, plenty of water and an old iron.
If you look up Martini Henry on YouTube, there are a few films showing restoration of woodwork etc that may be useful.

atb
Nick

[luckylou]

Thanks Nick some food for thought there, this is a modern reproduction i think(Pedersoli)?? you never now though i may have been lucky and stole a bargain (again).
Lou

[TA6319]

If you use oven cleaner (easy off ) for example dont forget to neutralise the cleaner after you rinse it off. I have found white vnegar works well. If you dont the cleaner will ruin the wood.

[luckylou]

So far so good. Simply removing the old varnish and washing the stripper off has taken out most of the "dings" on the wood work and my repair and reblueing of the rolling block and vernier frame have worked a treat.
Would it be best to re stain and varnish the woodwork or use an oil based stain and wax? i will stick a picture up of the gun when im finished.
Ta Lou

[njaw]

If the wood has a nice grain etc, I would go for oil. It takes time but is worth it.
I have used the Birchwood Casey, Tru-Oil Gun Stock Finish Kit and the CCL Traditional Gunstock Oil Finishing Kit. Both produce excellent results but you must follow the instructions!

http://www.airgunbuyer.com/details.a...s&Product=1922

http://www.airgunbuyer.com/details.a...s&Product=2566

If you do decide to varnish the wood, I would recommend using spray lacquer from a spary can. Most are acrylic based and are sold for respraying cars. You apply exactly as you would restoring a car. Spray - dry - cutback (t-cut). Spray - dry - cutback etc etc

Sounds weird I know, but you will end up with a superb, silky smooth finish which is rock hard.

Hope this helps

[luckylou]

Following your advice i used wire wool and white spirit to clear the last bits of varnish and then washed it with soapy water, with just a coating of white spirit the wood looked superb, i think i will go for oil based on that.
My repair to the Rolling Block Ejector has worked out better than i could have hoped for the liquid blue has done an great job, i used carbon steel to replace the broken "Lug" i will post a picture of the stock when i finish it thanks for all your input.
Lou
Before and after
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/k...ond/sharps.jpg
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/k...iamond/012.jpg

[luckylou]

Job finished next stop the range........thanks for your input
Lou
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/k...gBlock1001.jpg
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/k...gBlock1002.jpg
and one from before
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/k...ond/sharps.jpg

[njaw]

You've done a great job. Nice one!