Surface cracks/splits in stock

[Coal-Cracker]

Recently received an in-the-white Lancaster flintlock.
I noticed there are a couple shallow cracks in the stock. I spoke with the builder and the builder believes the cracks to be stable and the strength shouldn't be compromised (The builder has been nothing but cooperative and I have zero reason to doubt their integrity.)

How common is this and what would you do to fix it. The cracks are so slight, I don't think I could even get glue into the split.

Thanks in advance. Your knowledge base is always appreciated.

Pic below.

Stock https://imgur.com/a/Qv0LN

 

[Stophel]

Drying cracks. I wouldn't be super pleased, but it's not the end of the world. The gun is so far along, no sense in not going ahead with it.

I once made a barn gun with some drying cracks on the right side of the stock, larger than these. I just went ahead and used it, scraped the stock, stained it, and then put as much crazy glue into the cracks as they would take (careful to keep ALL of it off the outer surface of the stock!), finished the stock, and was happy with it. :wink:

 

[dragnetbill]

I watched a Midway video once where the owner, Larry, was filling a stock imperfection by dabbing shellac on and then sanding with a fine sandpaper while the shellac was still wet. I've tried it and it seems to work.

 

[Black Hand]

I watched a Midway video once where the owner, Larry, was filling a stock imperfection by dabbing shellac on and then sanding with a fine sandpaper while the shellac was still wet. I've tried it and it seems to work.

Maple or Walnut...?

 

[Rifleman1776]

I would be unhappy and concerned. That wood may not be fully cured/dried. With time those cracks could get serious. In my opinion, the builder should start over with a proper piece of wood.

 

[Vaino]

I agree that the stock should be replaced and I'm surprised that the builder would ship a stock w/ those cracks,. The cracks could be deeper and even if they're shallow. he shouldn't expect you to "make then invisible" unless you bought a "second". ....Fred

 

[Billnpatti]

I fully agree with Flehto. If you paid for a good stock, the one that you received is a "second". Of course, if you ordered a second, that is another thing. But, if you paid for a good stock, the builder owes you a new stock.

 

[fleener]

while I would most likely agree that these cracks will not hurt anything where they are.

Now what to do about it depends.

I recently had a custom flinter built and I and the builder picked out the stock from another party.

If these cracks were in my stock, I could not fault my builder.

If I bought the stock from my builders inventory, and spend hundreds for it, I would not be happy. I would be looking for a replacement or some money knocked off.

Fleener

 

[F.G. Ford]

Hi,
I would not be happy with a new stock looking that bad.
You can drill from the top, under the butt plate,
and from the bottom under the toe plate, also, you can drill under the butt plate, along the crack, but inside the stock, apply good wood glue in the hole and on to a wooden dowel plug of maple.( the dowel plugs should be about 1/4 too long, and flat on top, for the clamps.)
Hold in place with clamps, for at least four hours.
Be careful when drilling inside the stock, following the cracks, that you do not open up the cracks, then insert a dowel into these holes.
You can hold the dowels in place with a heavy rubber band. After gluing these dowels in place, the cracks will never expand.
After that the cracks will not open up, but they will always show.
If they progress into the wrist.......I would start over again, with a better stock.
Sorry for being so long winded.
Fred

 

[don hepler]

If I had owned the rifle for a while, that would be one thing..........but to start out with a crack. No, I would not accept that.

That would bug me, from now on.

A builder, tried to sell me a custom Hawken, with a repaired place in front of the trigger guard. He never mentioned it....like I wouldn't notice. Even if he had mentioned it, the price would have to be greatly reduced. Then...I still probably wouldn't have bought it. And...this is from a guy that I have a lot of respect for. I lost a little, that day.

 

[Coal-Cracker]

Well, all is well that ends well.

This morning I was comparing "crack" photos (taken on Friday), to what the stock currently looked like and it was obvious the splits had lengthened.

I mentioned this concern to the builder and the builder stepped up, without my provocation, and insisted another rifle will be built.

Thank you everyone for the advice. Though, I was primarily looking for repair advice, I appreciate the concerns and opinions expressed by everyone.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I mentioned this concern to the builder and the builder stepped up, without my provocation, and insisted another rifle will be built.

To his credit :applause:

More pics due when you get the rebuild.

 

[dragnetbill]

Larry was filling a small knot hole in walnut; I've done it in walnut and probably beech.
A test in maple is probably in order.