DIY stock bending using hot linseed oil or steam

[Si-Bore]

Anyone done any stock bending i.e. in this case decreasing drop to the heal (raising comb height)? I am interested in having a go using the hot linseed oil and jig approach after reading a gunsmithing book. Wood has been bent for many years and for different purposes. I am confident that if done slowly and the grip area is adequately heated/saturated with the oil before being loaded up in the jig- it will work without disaster.

 

Has anyone on here had a go? If so how did you get on and what technique did you use? I know steam is the other option but the oil seems a safe bet to me.

 

Cheers

Si

[jackalvin]

not but listen something about this stock bending.

[clayman]

The modern way is to use infra-red heating lamps ( battery hen heaters are good) either side of the stock neck, a clamp around the action, and a means of putting pressure onto the side / heel and toes to move them as necessary. After the movement is applied the heat is turned off and the wood allowed to cool. With no oil, this is a dry process and not sticky or messy. The wood needs to be bent about 50% over in the clamps as it will settle back a bit on removal. Any bending process needs to be applied with caution or the wood will split. No stock bender I know will take the risk, bending is always at the gun owners risk.

[peter-peter]

he up si hope you aint bending that urika.

depends on the stock finish.

if its an oil finished stock you can hold the stock in a vice using cloth to protect it.

put a bath of linseed oil under the bit to be bent

put a gas heater under the oil container and when hot pour hot oil over the bit to be bent.bend it gently to over what you need.

and fix it untill cooled.

method 2

start the same but use a hot air gun to get the stock hot. this softens the resin in the timber.

bend gently when hot to 25% more than you need and keep it there till cool.

method 3

same principle but instead of using oil, put a bath of watter under the stock to be bent. with a burner under it cover with a heavy cloth and let the steam heat up the stock. bend as above. all the above work.

but remember after you release the cold stock it will relax about 25%.

with polished stocks you could have problems.