Checkering your own riser

[KentuckyTJ]

I pondering checkering the riser on my Shafer Silvertip has anyone ever done this? I have a checkering kit that was a hand me down from my Dad. Should I attempt this or should I just spend the $155 and send it back to the bowyer to do it?

[Ian johnson]

why dont you try stipiling the grip?

[Brad_Gentry]

If you're confident in your checkering skills, I'd say why the heck not... if not, send it in.

[30coupe]

Practice on some scrap wood first. Checkering isn't really difficult, it just takes patience. If you get in a hurry, bad things can happen: broken diamonds, over-runs, wavy lines, etc.
 
If you practice first, then take your time, it is doable. The area on a riser is pretty small, so it would make a good first project. I have done several guns. No bows yet, but I am seriously considering it on my Badger takedown.

A good investment would be Checkering and Carving of Gunstocks by Monte Kennedy. If you already have the tools, invest in the book. You can save over $100 and have something you did yourself to be proud of. Kennedy will help get you started on the right foot.

Russ

[snag]

Practice until you are confident in this...if you can get to a point where you are confident then send it off. Don't want to do something you will regret!

[Chris Surtees]

TJ,

I would practice on some scrap wood and if you feel confident enough use a bow you will not necessarily be upset if you make a mistake.

If that turns out good I would go for it.

The book is a good idea also or better yet see if someone close by your home does it and will teach you.

Chris

[maineac]

I would also try to practice on a hard wood with a curve similar to your handle.  There is a different feel to different woods, and curves add an additional challenge over flat wood.  Take your time to practice and learn and you will be able to do your own work. Which for me makes the tool (bow in this case) more enjoyable to carry and use.

[KentuckyTJ]

That's the thing a gun stock wouldn't be any problem but the sharp curves of this grip frighten me. I think it would be money well spent to send it in.

[snag]

Good decision TJ....did you ever post a pic of this bow?  lol

[KentuckyTJ]

I did Snag here's the link.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=069110;p=6

[JimB]

The curves of that grip would be a lot more difficult than most areas on a rifle.Note that most rifle checkering patterns are only on the sides of the grip and the ones that go all the way over the grip cost a lot more because they are very tricky to do.I had a Silvertip with checkered handle and the first thing I saw was how well that checkering was done over those curved surfaces.I have checkered a few rifles and I know I couldn't do anywhere near that good a job on that much contour.It is worth every penny to pay someone.Beautiful bow,by the way.

[snag]

Very nice TJ! Love the antler limb bolts. Great grain in the limbs and riser.

[Angus]

I'd echo the "send it in" thought, TJ.  That's a really pretty bow, and I would want a great checker job, 22 lines per inch minimum on it.  Pretend it's a fine Parker or LC Smith double, and you'll get the results, the look and feel that you want.

[KentuckyTJ]

Alex, I'm going to send it in. I'd hate to screw it up. Love your Parker comment. I have a damascus barreled 16 gauge Parker side/side my grandfather gave me before he died and it's a fine piece of metal and wood.

Thanks guys for talking me out of my delusions.

[MikeW]

I'd love to have this done to my Blacktail.
 

[doeboy]

Mike W.

What kind of baow is that and where can i get that done! that is sweet!

[MikeW]

This guy did it. But I think he passed away.
 http://www.drcheckering.com/examples12.htm

[nd chickenman]

Send it in, you will never keep the cutters sharp on the dymond wood riser with the resins in it. I am sure they are checkered with a power tool, not hand tools.