Almost finished!

[PathfinderNC]

The .40 Cal Southern Mountain Rifle kit (a Kibler gem) is almost done. I did my final sanding, scraping and detailing, and did a couple thorough wet-wipes to knock the grain down. Then some more smoothing out and the dye mix went on.
I have to say that, when I was talking to Jim about this order and he asked if I would like some figured Cherry, I think I declined but thanked him for the offer. But the wood he sent me is just amazing with figure!! With just my initial application of Boiled Linseed Oil the wood came alive! I am posting a few photos of this early stage in the finishing process to show it so far.
I will continue applying many hand-rubbed application of the BLO for the next few weeks, and this pearl will glow.
(By the way, I never held such a slim, well balanced rifle in my life, such as this one.)
Thanks Jim

 

[1sthound]

Beautiful rifle

 

[PathfinderNC]

Beautiful rifle

Thanks- It is coming out nicely

 

[Pete G]

After each coat of oil wipe thoroughly with a paper towel. That will ensure thin enough coat. Just be sure to disose properly.

 

[PathfinderNC]

After each coat of oil wipe thoroughly with a paper towel. That will ensure thin enough coat. Just be sure to disose properly.

Actually each application is getting rubbed into the wood rather than just applying it. Nothing worse than gummy BLO on wood! It is starting to get as smooth as glass now.
(And yes- I soaak my used rags/towels with water and put them in a sealed plastic bag. Always good to remind each vother about the dangers of oily rags!)

 

[zerosprk]

Bee-You-Tea-Full!!! That red color is amazing!

 

[PathfinderNC]

Bee-You-Tea-Full!!! That red color is amazing!

Thank you! I'm still hand-rubbing with oil and it's coming along

 

[rusty]

can you tell us how you made the dye you used to get that nice red color?

 

[PathfinderNC]

can you tell us how you made the dye you used to get that nice red color?

Sure- I just use some powered dyes I have but I have used bottled leather dyes also (from Tandy). Always pre-raise the grain first. I mix the powders together in water, some brown and some red, and just test it out on spare Cherry pieces (or whatever wood I am staining). I dry it with a heat gun on low, cut any raised grain with scotch brite and add another coat until I like what I see. Nothing very technical, actually.

 

[old iron]

LOOKS GREAT! nice work!

 

[PathfinderNC]

LOOKS GREAT! nice work!

Thanks !

 

[oldwood]

U done good.....oldwood

 

[PathfinderNC]

U done good.....oldwood

Thanks friend!

 

[Robby]

You have a good eye for color! From the picture it looks like a nice warm piece of old cherry.
Robby

 

[PathfinderNC]

You have a good eye for color! From the picture it looks like a nice warm piece of old cherry.
Robby

Thanks! I was going after an aged look, so I am glad it captures some of that.

 

[Notchy Bob]

You do great work, Pathfinder. The coloration and finish on your rifle are both impeccable. I would also commend you on the incised carving behind the cheek piece. It is deep and bold, simple but elegant. That's a nice rifle!

Notchy Bob

 

[PathfinderNC]

You do great work, Pathfinder. The coloration and finish on your rifle are both impeccable. I would also commend you on the incised carving behind the cheek piece. It is deep and bold, simple but elegant. That's a nice rifle!

Notchy Bob

Thanks Notchy Bob- I really appreciate your nice comment. I’m honored

 

[Kyblackpowder]

Looks great my friend . I’m working on a 45 cal sm .I hope mind looks this good . mine is not a Kibler kit .

 

[PathfinderNC]

Looks great my friend . I’m working on a 45 cal sm .I hope mind looks this good . mine is not a Kibler kit .

Thanks very much and hope you enjoy your build also! It is always an interesting but enjoyable adventure for me.