How to Make and Install Ebony Stock Inlays Presented by Larry Potterfield | MidwayUSA Gunsmithing

Published on January 17, 2014
Duration: 4:55

This video demonstrates the meticulous process of creating and installing ebony wood inlays on a vintage Remington Rolling Block rifle stock. Larry Potterfield covers planning, template creation, precise cutting and shaping of ebony strips, and inletting the stock using specialized tools. The tutorial highlights techniques for achieving a seamless fit and professional finish, including epoxy application and final sanding and sealing.

Quick Summary

Ebony wood is used for decorative stock inlays, chosen to match the forend tip. A slight taper is filed on inlay edges for a tight fit, and inletting black helps identify high spots during recess cutting. Inlays are permanently installed with epoxy mixed with black dye.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Rifle History
  2. 00:49Planning & Template Creation
  3. 01:11Preparing Ebony Inlays
  4. 01:46Inletting the Forend
  5. 02:37Installation & Buttstock Mod
  6. 03:59Final Finishing

Frequently Asked Questions

What wood is used for the stock inlays in this tutorial?

Ebony wood is selected for the new inlays. This dark, dense hardwood is chosen to match the forend tip of the rifle stock, providing a classic and durable decorative element.

How do you ensure a tight fit for stock inlays?

A slight taper, or draft, is filed into the edges of the ebony inlay pieces. This ensures they seat snugly into the precisely cut recess in the firearm stock, creating a seamless fit.

What tools are essential for inletting stock inlays?

Essential tools include sharp chisels, a shop-made radius chisel for curved recesses, and inletting black to identify high spots. A milling machine may be used for more complex shapes like sling swivel recesses.

How are the ebony inlays permanently installed?

The ebony inlays are permanently installed using epoxy mixed with black dye. This provides a strong bond and helps to match the color of the surrounding wood or fill any minor imperfections.

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