Buy single line tools in 60 and 90 degrees, fine teeth.
Get the 90 degree in both short and long cutting heads. The short head is for working in the tight corners, use the long heads hvery where they will fit.
Set up a light at an angle to the work, to cast shadows and make the lines more apparent. I assume you won't have a stock cradle so use a couple of bags of shot like bean bags to suport your work. If you don't load buy or borrow some.
Use the 60 degree to chase the line and clean out the groove, use the 90 to widen the groove and point up the diamonds.
Cut on the pull stroke, no real pressure. Let the tool do the cutting. Turn the wood as you cut so the head stays perpendicular to the wood on all 3 axis.
Concentrate on cutting to a uniform depth, making a light pass over all the lines then going over them again, each time getting a little deeper.
Pick a gun that you don't care if (make that when) you mess it up. A gun with 18 or 20 LPI of checkering is best for starters. Don't pick one with pressed in checkering, that the checkering is worn badly on or has oil soaked punky wood. Both will make you feel like it's an impossible task.
Patience is the most important ingredient. Checker for a short time and walk away when things start to go bad, come back to it.
Jeff
Last edited by Jeff Mull; 10/23/07 05:46 PM.
