I find checkering to be the most satisfying aspect of gunstock work, when I see the finished product in my hands. Getting there can be somewhat frustrating but the reward accomplishment wise is worth the effort. It's not for all but all should at least try you never know till you try if it's your cup of tea. I would personally recommend that one starting out re-do an old checkered stock just to appreciate the mechanics of the work. Keeping the lines straight around curves and holding the tools at right angles to the surface of the curves is the trick that needs some practise. Just to add, most of tools are set to cut on the pull. --- John Can.
