Bear-of-Grayling's latest activity

The bottom stock is freaking lovely. I have an old P12 with a beech stock. I wish the grain was half as nice as yours. That is really a...

Wow that beech can really pop in the right hands!

I like the darker colored stock but I usually do. Rick H.

Beech is not the most figured or interesting wood but it's stable. It's easy enough to sand down and toy with different grit finishes...

I've seen a propane torch treatment ending up looking awesome. I just can't do it... I am still a fan of Birchwood Casey Tru oil, after...

The best option I use is unobtainium, I have some old formulation watco oil that's from the 90sand it can really let you fake walnut on...

I strip the original finish off. Do not use lacquer thinner as it removes color and raises the grain to much. Steel wool with the grain...

I'm a finish carpenter and have done a ton of beech. European steamed beech usually has a light "pickled" color to it. You can sand...

Excellent, I've seen too many nice original stocks ruined, sanding will always remove some wood. Chemical strippers let us finish the...

I do like the results of the bottom stock. If you have the time ...Why not.

I like them both, bottom one is very nice but could live with the middle ones finish also.

Bear the bottom one is much much more to my liking.

Yes, chemically removed the original finish. It comes off easily. Not catalyzed.

I like the darkest one best. Are you able to chemically strip the old finish? I really try to avoid sanding an old finish off. Good...

Bottom one is beautiful !!!! Great job>>