A photo of a commercial Niedner buttplate with screws sent by Bob Saathoff. I'm going to have to reread the buttplate making sequence in MPs book but I seem to think I might have disagreed with some of how he relates it was done(?) I can't see how it could possibly be checkered first?
At the back of my workbench: a dog-leg chisel for recoil lug inletting, flat and round, large and small scrapers, and a large gouge, all bench-made in gunsmithing school and in use for nearly 40 years.
We have made these tools in Seminars here and I've taught there use to all students. These seminars are a huge advantage in that I have all the correct tools and if a student wants to know how to do particular task I show them and hand them the correct tool, then watch as they accomplish the task.
Dennis, I don't have time to elaborate but there are at least 4-5 things I could tell you about your techniques just from looking at that photo. I can also say that you are doing Very well, sharp tools are the first requirement and you would take to professional methods readily. It is amazing how quickly a guy with experience (eh, Dan?) can pick up a professional method and make huge progress in his abilities and how rapidly the task is accomplished.
Although we've been out of touch for decades I have great respect for Morris's machining skills and like to think I am in a similar place doing handwork.