Cracked stock in front of lock

[Lakeman]

Here's what I did in my gunsmith shop. I suggest you do a trial run with scrap wood before repairing a good stock. I use 24-HR epoxy for the extended work time it gives me. Standing by was an air compressor with the adjustable flow nozzle shown in the photo. Mix the epoxy. GENTLY flex the crack open. We want to create a space for the epoxy to flow into. Apply the epoxy to the crack. Adjust air flow to a rate that moves the epoxy without blasting it away. You did experiment on scrap wood first...Right? Once you have nudged glue as deeply into the crack as possible release tension and allow the crack to close. Clamp lightly and allow to cure for 24 hrs. Refinish the area as needed.
Good Luck!
John

 

[JQuigley]

Here's what I did in my gunsmith shop. I suggest you do a trial run with scrap wood before repairing a good stock. I use 24-HR epoxy for the extended work time it gives me. Standing by was an air compressor with the adjustable flow nozzle shown in the photo. Mix the epoxy. GENTLY flex the crack open. We want to create a space for the epoxy to flow into. Apply the epoxy to the crack. Adjust air flow to a rate that moves the epoxy without blasting it away. You did experiment on scrap wood first...Right? Once you have nudged glue as deeply into the crack as possible release tension and allow the crack to close. Clamp lightly and allow to cure for 24 hrs. Refinish the area as needed.
Good Luck!
John

I’ll have to remember that for the next time. Good idea. Thanks!

 

[Texcl2]

I have some pretty thin marine epoxy I use for boat building and will vacuum it into a crack, I’ve done many original guns this way to stabilize tight cracks in stocks. So far all my repairs have held up great. Good epoxy is so handy, you can make virtually any viscosity of glue with it by mixing thickeners in. I use it for antique furniture repairs under certain circumstances do to it’s high strength, good stuff but it is very permanent.

 

[JQuigley]

I have some pretty thin marine epoxy I use for boat building and will vacuum it into a crack, I’ve done many original guns this way to stabilize tight cracks in stocks. So far all my repairs have held up great. Good marine epoxy is so handy, you can make virtually any viscosity of glue with it by mixing thickeners in. I use it for antique furniture repairs under certain circumstances do to it’s high strength.

I’ll have to pick some up