
Dent Steaming???
#1
Posted 02 December 2009 - 09:45 AM
I do a lot of steaming without much results.
Does anyone have a better method?
Thanks
Paul
Salome, AZ
#2
Posted 02 December 2009 - 11:13 AM
I think the hot iron/rag method is good for small dings.
Whatever technique you use, the key is to let it dry thoroughly (AT LEAST 24 hours, 48-72 would be better) before a light sanding.
Good luck!
Steve
#3
Posted 02 December 2009 - 03:25 PM
#4
Posted 03 December 2009 - 02:45 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/Chuck_Older/dent1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/Chuck_Older/dent2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/Chuck_Older/dent3.jpg
#5
Posted 03 December 2009 - 07:32 PM
#6
Posted 03 December 2009 - 10:33 PM
I suppose this could be considered the extreme of dent steaming, but it worked very well on my rough stock...
#7
Posted 04 December 2009 - 01:45 PM

It allows much more precise application of steam and for a much longer time than the iron and wet cloth method. It also works better on curved surfaces than an iron.
Before

During

After

#8
Posted 05 December 2009 - 12:18 AM
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j27/Cavgunbunny/DSCN5652-1.jpg
#9
Posted 05 December 2009 - 12:27 AM
I don't want to state the obvious, but the wood should be stripped of any laquer or varnish finish before trying to lift a dent with steam - the moisture has to be able to penetrate the wood. No intent to offend anyone but just want to make sure that we don't overlook a key step.
Give that man a "ceegar" :thumbsup: . Actually, many don't realize the very important point you make and it's precisely because you have to remove an original finish to achieve the most effective dent/ding removal that I would never suggest doing it. IMHO you should leave the stock as it is, dents, dings, initials - if they are period they are all part of the rifle's provenance.
Then again, I'm a bit of a purist collector so consider the source.
Tim
Edited by tsellati, 05 December 2009 - 12:29 AM.
#10
Posted 05 December 2009 - 06:13 AM
if the stock was USGI and had original cartouches, I would have went a different route. As it was USGI, ugly, ouchy, and only had scant rebuild cartouches. I rolled up my sleeves, protected the cartouches and went to town. And I left a lot of gouges and dings, and the dent removal was still 4 or 5 hours
The steam also can lighten the wood considerably. I had great results, YMMV
Here's my Dad's M1 carbine stock. I wiped it with denatured alcohol and odorless mineral spirits, let it dry in the sun for a few hours, and applied a single coat of BLO, bam, done. Total time 3 hours, so this is a good example of how acceptable results can be attained with little time invested- it's the same color as my M1 rifle stock that I spent oh...80 or so hours on

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/Chuck_Older/m1carbinestock.jpg
Edited by Chris_B, 05 December 2009 - 06:22 AM.
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