Here ya go!
1) How do I soak the wood? I don't have anything large enough to hold the entire stock, not even half of it. Is it as simple as slowly pouring the boiled water over the wood?
A: I have an old cat litter container that is only deep as half the stock. I soak one end for about ten minutes, then flip it over. If you anticipate restoring future rifles, I recommend getting a similar bucket from a hardware store. It's a lot easier than pouring the water over the stock.
2) If I've already done my Simple Green treatment twice, should one cleaning with the Easy Off (oven cleaner) be enough?
A: It should be, but some of that cosmoline is deeply imbedded. A Russian M44 once required four applications of oven cleaner before I was satisfied! Don't be dismayed if your stock starts looking very bleached out. It will snap back to life when you apply the oil.
3) How long can the metal that is imbedded in the stock go without oil before it will start rusting?
A: As long as you are working on the stock and keeping it submersed, you won't have any problems with the metal rusting. Rusting will occur once you expose it to air. What I do is put a dab of Rig grease on all metal parts while the wood dries.
4) I have the BLO and thinner and can find turpentine, where does one find Bees wax? Is it in liquid form, or will it need to be melted?
A: For bee's wax, you can buy it at feed and tack shops, at hardware stores that sell plumbing supplies, or sometimes at sporting good/gun shops that sell archery supplies. Bee's wax is used on the bow strings. Also, there is no need to add the paint thinner to the wax mix.
What I do is melt the wax in the microwave in a glass jar and then add the other components and mix them up. The mix will cool and become more solid, like the texture of warm butter. Apply it sparingly with a clean cotton cloth; it goes on real nice. I usually wait at least 2-3 hours before I buff it out.
Good Luck!
Noban
