Inletting after you're finished

[Billhuntz]

I'm thinking about adding a lucky coin to my stock. It's finished and I'm concerned about cutting into the finish. How hard is this and should I forget it?

 

[henry65]

I inletted a couple stars on my finished stock use a good sharp hobbie knife .as long as you take your time it can be done. :thumbsup:

 

[wulf]

But you better be good.........and not,,,,in any
kind of hurry....I would suggest to round the top
just a mite and not inlay all the way. That would
save the finish...just a guess based on no talent
what so ever...

 

[adrian]

I did it buy useing masking tape and lamp black. Used a razzor blade, but take your time...FJ :thumbsup:

 

[robertdale]

this is very tough to do well. the finish on the wood can cause chipping. I have done it but use a fine poke chisel. use a small allen wrench,cut off to 1" after epoxy into 1/2 dia dowel. then grind / file to very thin chisel shape, long taper.then hone to razor sharp. this will let you tap around the edge of the coin. do 1/2 at a time. use small dog leg chisel to finish inlet.

just my 2 bits worth

 

[Zonie]

As the others have said, it can be done but it is not easy.

If you use a razor sharp hobby knife like an ExActo with a pointed blade you will be able to cut in or stab in around the coin. Of course the coin cannot slip or move in any way while your doing this so I would suggest that you make sure the finish on the stock is totally free of any oil or wax. Then use a spot of Magic Glue to hold the coin while your cutting in.

The hard part of your task is going to be getting the inlay to be exactly flush with the adjacent surface so, remove a little material from the pocket and test the fit. Then repeat this until the coin is flush.

 

[Birddog6]

I would forget it.
1: Too much risk messing up a finish.
2: The coin inlay may devalue the rifle. I have never seen a coin inlay that enhanced the rifle. It's like putting steer horns on the front of a car.
Course, I do like horns....... :hmm: Well..... maybe on a truck............ :rotf: :rotf:

 

[Allan Gray]

If the addition of your lucky coin makes you happy I would go for it using a method others have described.

One thing I would add;
Consider using pins, as well as adhesive to attach the coin in the inlay. They are notorious for popping out at the worst times.

Then your luck will run out.

 

[48mauser]

Would it be possible to use a Forsner type of wood drill? Paul P.

 

[ricklandes]

The tough part is a drill that cuts a flat bottom surface is commissioned to cut a hole for a curved top radius... :hmm: :hmm: :hmm:

I would strongly advise you to think this thru...if the rifle has any value for age or the like do not do it. I have seen too many modern (late 1800 to 1950) rifles that had a !@#$%$ compass drilled into the side (a fad from the 40's and 50's)...it devalued the arms by about 60-70% or more for collector value.

However it IS your rifle...make it as it suits your needs