Gunstock checkering
Checkering is a particular and oldstyle art of functional decorating of gunstock and different types of handles. In most common way Checkering are group of rows of paralle and cross grooves at a given angle to form little diamond shapes. In some English literature, checkering is often spelled as 'chequering'.
The particular function of checkering is to give the shooter more grip on the stock especially in bad weather when stock is wet, greasy or when the palms are too sweaty during a shooting. Second and may be most important aspect of checkering is decoration rifle or any othe object. Checkering very effectively emphasizes the shape and grace of the handles lines. And to be clear, checkers are not really necessary on most gunstocks.
In current form checkering occurred about 150 years ago. It's not mean that there is no checkering before that days, but patterns and ways of application were usually different from now days.
Gunstock checkers can be made in several ways with different patterns. Most known techniques are pointed (like diamonds), flattop and semi flattop checkering. Another variety is French checkering, also known as skip line or even a Scottish checkering . In this technique lines are just skipped at some regular interval creating a square pattern similar to tartan ornament.
Pointed checkering
This is the most common type of checkering. In this type of checkering grooves are cut under a 90 degree angle (sometimes 60 degree).
Those checkers are sharp and highly pointed like a diamonds. That give handles a good grip and make grooves are self cleaning due to the open angle.
This type of checkering can be a bit to sharp for long shooting sessions or for heavy recoiling guns.
In area with checker pattern the wood texture may be not so visible depending upon the coarseness and quality of the checkering job and of course the type of wood itself.
You can find tools for cutting pointed checkering in our catalog. Watch for angles mark.
Flat-top checkering ( English type)
The grooves are just not have points on top, so it are flat. This is deep grooves with parallel walls cut in the wood. You can seen this type of checkering on older English guns. Disadvantage of this pattern is that the grooves easily fill up with debris making it useless. Also it not sharp so it does not offer good grip.
Other side is checkers of this type not obstruct the nature beaty of wood. It is more comfortable for heavy recoiling guns and for continuous shooting sessions.
Flat-top checkering can be easily converted into pointed checkering by recutting the grooves with an angled cutter. But they are loose it Englishness and it may ruine beaty of wood texture.
Now day, toolworks Petrgrad does not produce gouges for flat-top checkering.
Semi flat-top checkering
Cutting grooves with 60 degree gouges you will have ornament somewhere in between of pointed and flat one. This type grooves are shallow so that there are no pointed tops. Semi flat-top checkers is often imitate English flat-top checkering. The grooves are trying to eliminate disadvantage of flat-top checkers by making it less prone to clogging.
The pattern is of the fill in type as can be seen by the border line that does not run parallel with the checkering.
Checkering patterns
All checkered lines together form a pattern. There are several different patterns are possible. Usually the edges of the checkering are defined by borders of ornament or object itself . Sometimes no borders are present. The borders are formed by the lines of stops of checkering or a very thin cutted line. This technique is called borderless checkering.
Fill in pattern
First off the outline border is cut into the wood. The space within is filled up with checkering pattern. This patterns may look a lot like angular patterns, but the difference easily can be seen, the outline border (frame) does not run parallel with the checkering lines.
Here is an example of a fill in semi flat-top pattern on left picture. On a right picture is a layout tool for marking grooves paralell to the shape of handle or gunstock.
Fancy checkering
Some americans are absolute masters when it comes to checkering some of the intriguing and most difficult patterns. Occasionally, fancy checkering is seen on expensive European guns.
On the picture of a exceptionally beautiful Parker shotgun you can see some kind of wavy patern. Made in the days when labour was relatively cheap and people still had the patience to spend countless hours on the perfect execution of very complex checkering patterns.
European way to approach checkering was a lot more practical. Simple and angular patterns being the norm on even the most expensive guns. Under influence of American examples, Europeans have started to put more emphasis on the design and execution of the checkering panels.
Angular pattern
This is one of a challenging way of checkering cause the border lines are formed by the checkering itself. Most challenging is that checkering lines are should run perfectly parallel to the border grooves. A lot of care must be taken to be sure that the angles are respected. If the angles are cut right, regular diamonds are formed with their tips nicely aligned, defining the outline of the pattern.
This type of checkering is usually seen on the better grade of gun stocks. Usually all best stocks have angular pattern checkering.
The example on the right shows a point type checkering and you can see the borders run exactly parallel with the lines of the checkering making it an angular pattern.
Wrap around pattern
These patterns can either be of the fill in or angular type. Wrap around simply means that the checkering extends from one side of the stock to the other.
The photo on the right shows a wrap around, angular pattern. The checkering is pointed checkering at 20 lines to the inch.
Checkering in progress
На фото слева можно увидеть, как чекеринг наносится на деревянную поверхность. Сначала наносится базовая линия, а затем нарезаются параллельные ей насечки.После нанесения линий, они будут углублены отдельным резцом. Более подробно можно посмотреть в видео ниже. В материале используются современные резцы для чекеринга от фабрики Петроградъ.
On the picture you can see process of checkering applied to a wooden panel. First off the master lines are cut and then it duplicated with parallel lines. After that grooves will be deepened with a cutter. More detailed you can watch this process in video. In this materials was used checkering tools by Petrograd toolworks.
Fish scale checkering
Anoher fancy type of checkering is fish scale checkering. It is a completely different technique. Actually, it is more of a carving technique since special gauges are used.
This type of checkering quite popular in German speaking countries, but you unlikely have seen this technique being used in Britain or America.
This checkering technique is very time consuming and during cutting one most be very concentrated to prevent the scales from breaking out.
Fish scales checkers provide very good grip to the shooters hand and can be used to emphasize the beauty of the stock. However, it takes some getting used to at first.
That's all on that. Thanks for your attention. You can find checkering tools for cutting pointed checkering in our catalog.
Popular goods
Carving knife PETROGRAD, Finnish type, 200mm/60mm
Carving set PETROGRAD, N2
The set includes:
Carving knife PETROGRAD, Bogorodsky type, 155mm/40mm
Carving knife PETROGRAD, Finnish type, 175mm/60mm
Carving knife PETROGRAD, skew 30 deg, 155mm/40mm
Carving knife PETROGRAD, Swedish type, 175mm/60mm
Spoon knife, PETROGRAD, D 27mm, right-handed
Carving chisel, PETROGRAD, 10mm
Textile 6 pocket Tool Roll, PETROGRAD, 360*260mm, for carving knives
The tools are made of steel 65G (Germany 66Mn4, Ck67, USA 1066) and have handles made of beech and maple covered with tung oil.
Totally hand made at PETROGRAD factory of joinery and carpentry tools. Made in Russia.
Bent Gouge Rubankov, N6, 20mm
Bent Gouge Rubankov, N6, 20mm (0.79 inches)
Carving chisel "Rubankov" Bent Gouge N6, 20mm ( 0.79 inches ). Perfectly suits for volume carving and deep hollow carving. The width of the cutting edge is 20mm ( 0.79inches ). The total lenght of the gouge is 425mm ( 16.73inches ), blade lenght is 145mm ( 5.71inches ), the lenght of the handle is 280mm (11.02inches ). Made of alloy steel, hand forged and hardened to 59-61HRc. The comfortable and ergonomic oval handle is made of cherrywood ( may change) and coated with oil.
Gouge is sharpened, honed and fully ready to work out of the box.
This model is for hand cutting and can be used with a mallet.
Produced by PETROGRAD toolworks. ( Saint-Petersburg Russia )
Checkering tool complete C-1, 90°
Checkering tool C-1 has 1 pyramidal tooth. Angle top 90 degrees. All the cutters are made of steel, undergone the process of hardening and processing, for long and reliable work.
It is V-shaped with teeth on both sides. Checkering tool C-1 is designed for applying the original layout of the picture, as well as for deepening the grooves after their application, with other cutters.
The wooden handle is made of beech, well balanced and lies comfortably in your hand.
Pay attention to the high relief, providing fast and smooth cutting. The tines provide good removal of all hardwoods.
The cutter doesnt look like cutting - deep or shallow grooves, right or rounded corners, parallel lines or cross-hatching, in the direction of the fiber or across. No need to re-do the pass to treat uneven areas. Equal each element is obtained.
The width of the working part is 5 mm, the length of the working part is 11 mm, the apex angle 90 degrees.
Totally hand made at PETROGRAD factory of joinery and carpentry tools. Made in Russia.
Carving set PETROGRAD, N4, 6 knives
The set includes:
Carving knife PETROGRAD, Bogorodsky type, 155mm/40mm
Carving knife PETROGRAD, Finnish type, 160mm/45mm
Carving knife PETROGRAD, skew 40 deg, 145mm/40mm
Carving knife PETROGRAD, Swedish type, 175mm/60mm
Spoon knife, PETROGRAD, D 27mm, right-handed
Carving knife PETROGRAD, model Parrot, 165/25mm
Textile 6 pocket Tool Roll, PETROGRAD, 360*260mm, for carving knives
Totally hand made at PETROGRAD factory of joinery and carpentry tools. Made in Russia.
Shallow Hook Knife, PETROGRAD, type 3, right-handed
Hook knife is used for cutting out a hollow in a wooden spoon or scoop, as well as for other similar work. Shallow hook knife N3 has a water drop profile of blade. That's making it perfectly choose for cut wooden spoons bowl. The right version of knife is designed to work with the right hand towards yourself or left hand to outside.
- Hook knife blade made from tool steel (9ХС) and hardened up to 58-60HRC.
- All hook cutters are sharpened and ready to go.
- The outerside of the hook is ring-shaped and perfectly polished. Thats allow you to cut wood cleanly and smoothly without scoring.
- The handle of the hook knife is made of maple and coated with oil.
The right version of hook knife is designed to work with the right hand towards yourself, the left version - with the left hand towards yourself.
Made by Petrograd toolworks in Saint-Petersburg Russia.
| Blade width: | 12 mm |
|---|---|
| Blade lenght: | 75 mm |
| Steel: | 9ХС |
| Shape: | hook |
| Handle grip: | right-handed |
| Handle lenght: | 160 mm |
| Total lenght: | 235 mm |
| Weight: | 0,1 kg |
*coating may change from batch to batch
Petrograd leather fingertip for woodcarvers
Leather fingertip is a thumb guard for wood carvers by Petrograd toolworks. Designed to protect hands from sharp tools. Thumb guard protects your finger from cut injuries when you are moving the cutting tool towards thumb, and prevents the formation of calluses when working away from yourself. Watch pictures for more info.
- made of 2mm natural leather
- easy to use
- save you from injures
Guard has a special ring that prevents it from slipping during operation. The thimble was made of 2mm soft leather, which provides good protection for the toe.
Thumb guard was made by Petrograd toolworks in Saint Petersburg Russia
Checkering set, type N3, 90°/18lines, 10 tools + gauge, in roll bag
Full tool set for checkering N3 (90 degrees, 18 lines) includes 10 tools for making checkers on wood. Gouges by Petrograd toolsworks for making checkers. This is most full set of tools for making checkers a on rifle handles. Gouges with 90 degree cutters in this set are making more sharp checkers that grants great grip and less prone to clogging than flat ones.
Set number 3 includes:
- gouge B-2 ( two cutting edges, spacer with tooths )
- gouge S-1 ( one cutting edge )
- gouge N2-18, 90° ( two cutting edges )
- gouge N3-18, 90° ( right router, left cutting edges )
- gouge N4-18, 90° ( left router, right cutting edges )
- gouge C-1, 90° ( one cutting edge )
- gouge L- 9, 90° ( right router with wide space, left cutting edge )
- gouge R- 9, 90° ( left router with wide space, right cutting edge )
- gouge for corners 90° (or Carving chisel, PETROGRAD, V-type, 90 degrees)
- gouge for marking rifle handles
- checkering guage
- roll bag for carving tools model N1 ( 12 pockets )
Checkering tool set by Petrograd toolworks. Made in Saint-Petersburg Russia.
| Number of tools: | 10 tools |
|---|---|
| Type of checkers: | 90 degrees |
| Number of lines: | 18 lines on 1 inch |
| Handle material: | Beech* |
| Handle lenght: | 120 mm |
| Total lenght: | 240 mm |
| Total weight: | 0.55 kg |
- Checkering tool S-1 has 1 pyramidal tooth. Angle of the top is 90 degrees. The cutter has a convenient beech handle and a rod with a sharp bend perpendicular to the cutting axis and the working part installed on it. All the cutters are made of steel, undergone the process of hardening and processing, for long and reliable work.
It is V-shaped with teeth on both sides. Designed to handle corners and bends, as well as hard-to-reach places.
Pay attention to the high relief, providing fast and smooth cutting. The tines provide good removal of all hardwoods.
The cutter has not matter what cutting - deep or shallow grooves, right or rounded corners, parallel lines or cross-hatching, in the direction of the fiber or across. No need to re-do the pass to treat uneven areas. Every element is smooth and beautiful.
The width of the working part is 5 mm, the length of the working part is 5 mm, the apex angle is 90 ° - Checkering tool N2-18. Both sides with 18 teeth per inch. Used for the application of grooves and their deepening after application. One blade runs along the guideline, while the other marks the next groove. When moving to the next groove, the tool deepens it and again applies the next groove. Cutter 2 It is a combination of tools for expanding and deepening grooves. Beech handle. All the cutters are made of steel, underwent a process of hardening and processing, for long and reliable work.
- Checkering tool B-2, is a 2 conical cutter with a working angle of 90 degrees, separated by a wide groove with teeth. A tool for making the roller around the notch. Pay attention to the high relief, providing fast and smooth cutting. The tines provide good removal of all hardwoods.A cutter is just the same as cutting deep or shallow grooves, right or rounded corners, parallel lines or cross-hatching, in the direction of the fiber or across. No need to re-do the pass to treat uneven areas. Smoothly each groove is obtained. Maximum roller height 1 mm, width 2.5 mm
- Checkering tools from series N3, have two sides: the right side is smooth, used as a guide, the left - with 18 teeth per inch. All the cutters are made of steel, underwent a process of hardening and processing, for long and reliable work. The right blade is devoid of teeth, has a sharp and smooth shape, and exactly follows along the guide line. The left blade has teeth and cuts a new groove during the process of notching from right to left. Thus, it is possible to apply a notch, using the previous groove, as a guide. Beech handle.
- Checkering tools from series N4 have two sides: the right side with 18 teeth per inch, the left - smooth, is used as a guide. All the cutters are made of steel, underwent a process of hardening and processing, for long and reliable work. The left blade is devoid of teeth, has a sharp and smooth shape, and exactly follows along the guide line. The right blade has teeth and cuts a new groove during the process of notching from left to right. Thus, it is possible to apply a notch, using the previous groove, as a guide. Beech handle
- Checkering tool C-1 has 1 pyramidal tooth. Angle top 90 degrees. All the cutters are made of steel, undergone the process of hardening and processing, for long and reliable work. It is V-shaped with teeth on both sides. Checkering tool C-1 is designed for applying the original layout of the picture, as well as for deepening the grooves after their application, with other cutters. The wooden handle is made of beech, well balanced and lies comfortably in your hand. Pay attention to the high relief, providing fast and smooth cutting. The tines provide good removal of all hardwoods. The cutter doesnt look like cutting - deep or shallow grooves, right or rounded corners, parallel lines or cross-hatching, in the direction of the fiber or across. No need to re-do the pass to treat uneven areas. Equal each element is obtained. The width of the working part is 5 mm, the length of the working part is 11 mm, the apex angle 90 degrees
Petrograd Bushcraft Bent Gouge, n7, 30mm
Стамеска-ложкорез Петроград клюкарза N7, 30мм. Стамеска-ложкорез предназначена для создания ложек, кукс, а также прекрасно подойдет резьбы по дереву. Стамески клюкарзы используются для выполнения глубокой барельефной резьбы. Также удачно подходит для выборки углублений при резьбе посуды, кукс, ложек и декорировании деревянной поверхности.
Petrograd Swan Neck Gouge, n7, 30mm
Стамеска-ложкорез ПЕТРОГРАДЪ, клюкарза Swan Neck, н7,30мм – это прекрасный инструмент, позволяющий без особых усилий выбирать материал, при создании деревянных чаш, кукс и ложек. Эта стамеска выкована вручную из стали 9ХС и закалена до 61 HRc. Производство фабрика Петроградъ (Россия).