Stock refinish

[Jeronimo]

I’m about to take on a refinish project with my newly acquired ‘75 Winchester M70. I’m a fairly competent woodworker, so I’m not too intimidated by the project. Plus I’ve watched a handful of YouTube videos. The plan is to use a chemical stripper and then sand to ~600gr and finish with Birchwood Casey Tru-oil.

My only hesitation is with the plastic bits at the front of the stock and on the bottom of the rear grip. I worry about the stripper eating away at it, and having to repaint it once I sand everything flush (what kind of paint would be ideal?). I’m also planning on fitting a new recoil pad. Please comment with any tips and recommendations.

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[Bigtanker]

I've never done it but Midway USA has some really good videos on this (and many more) subject.

[video=youtube_share;FrQbZNduZL8]http://youtu.be/FrQbZNduZL8[/video]

In YouTube, search Midway USA stock refinishing. It will bring up a plethora of videos like the one above.

 

[Hawkeye7br]

Recoil pad is rubber, you should be able to lightly sand it at same time as stock.

 

[sloughfoot]

Don't use the chemical stripper. Sand and tru-oil.

 

[Jeronimo]

Don't use the chemical stripper. Sand and tru-oil.

I thought I’d use the chemical stripper to get the varnish out of the checkering. What’s your reason for not using it?


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[traderjoe]

The factory Remington finish is rather thick and sanding down to the wood for tru-oil to penetrate will be quite time consuming. I don't like chemical strippers but they are the best way to get the finish off.

 

[sloughfoot]

Yes, it takes time to sand. But at least you know you are not hurting the plastic. Judicious use on the checkering but nowhere else. This is my personal preference, but I don't care for the shiny tru-oil finish on rifles. I mix bees wax and turpentine and rub it in. It gets pretty hot as you work it into the wood with the heal of your hand. I am not in a rush.