I work from blanks only. I use hand saws, scrub planes, draw knives, and gouges to rough shape a stock. Only then I switch to spokeshave and half round files. I can get within a 32nd of an inch with those tools. Then I go to scrapers. I’ve never used sanding to remove wood, only smooth it, and I use it less and less anymore.
With some woods a coarse rasp works well to get close. On others it bruises or tears out wood. Different strokes for different folks. I know a guy who shapes a stock 10 thousandths at a time. He finishes a gun every couple years. Does great work too.
With some woods a coarse rasp works well to get close. On others it bruises or tears out wood. Different strokes for different folks. I know a guy who shapes a stock 10 thousandths at a time. He finishes a gun every couple years. Does great work too.
