Checkering question

[wildwood]

I am restoring the wood on a 1938 Sterlingworth. I purchased a 60 and 90 degree cutter hoping to just clean up the checkering. Both cutters seem to cut too deep and making a mess. I am assuming (and measured) that the checkering is 16LPI. I am totally new at this and stopped before I did too much damage. What am a doing wrong? The last two guns I did I had my gunsmith do the work but enjoy doing working with my hands and doing the work myself.

[bbman3]

Do you want flat top or pointed diamonds? I usually leave them not quite pointed on Sterlingworths.You need to go over them several times and do not cut too deep on each pass.60 degree tool will cut deeper than 90 but diamonds will not be as pointed for same depth.You need a checkering cradle to hold the stock and get some old stocks and forends to practice on before you do any more work on you wood.Bobby

[Brian Dudley]

Best to get it to someone who is more proficient at checkering before too much of a mess is made. Badly messed up checkering can be very difficult to repair.

a 60 degree cutter would be best for not pointing up and just cleaning up.

[wildwood]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the advise.