If you know a manicurist and also fit stocks...

[RG]

A quick suggestion. Manicurists need to throw away files after a client due to health regs. Their nail boards range from very abrasive, to so fine you can produce a high polish on wood with no finish. (The "girlfriend" buffer) These castoffs make excellent woodworking tools, I suspect especially where fitting is involved. My wife has been a self employed nail tech for 27 years. (Doing the nasty toes of veterans for 25+ years)

[bruce]

This is a very helpful post. Thank you very much. Sincerely. bruce.

[RG]

Thank You, Bruce; appreciate your appreciation.

[RG]

Being rather new here, I expect to be lit upon and consumed if I get a toe out of line.
(Thats the feeling I get after being here for a couple weeks)

Im way out of my league even posting here, I didnt serve with a Garand. My day was the m16A1, after that the A2, and later, the M4. 86 to 12.

Nail boards were a Godsend when finishing traditional bows, only natural that I would mention that to the benefit of the forum.

[Rondog]

This is very interesting! I may have to visit a shop or two.

On a similar note - every grocery store bakery uses cake frosting and donut icing that comes in 3.5 gallon buckets with lids. When they're empty, they throw them away. All that I've visited are more than happy to give them to you, most are glad to see them get recycled rather than trashed. So, if you need buckets, go get a donut and ask about them. Don't forget the lids.

[RG]

Originally Posted by Rondog

This is very interesting! I may have to visit a shop or two.

On a similar note - every grocery store bakery uses cake frosting and donut icing that comes in 3.5 gallon buckets with lids. When they're empty, they throw them away. All that I've visited are more than happy to give them to you, most are glad to see them get recycled rather than trashed. So, if you need buckets, go get a donut and ask about them. Don't forget the lids.

Im going to do that today! Thanks Rondog!

The nail files are really great because there are so many grits and types. In example the rough grit usually have two sides sandwiched over a piece of rigid plastic and are great for getting into corners. I have even used medical shears to make a "specialized" tool for getting into small crannies. The last job I did with nail files was fitting new wood stocks on a mossberg 590. I ordered them from Numrich, but the fitment was not ideal.

Of course regular steel files are also great and I dont mean old nail files should replace them, but they have alot of uses.

Another use for a "girlfriend buffer" (very very fine) is on a gun with freckle rust. I will soak the rust in oil for a few days and then gently buff the rust right off, usually without damage to the bluing. I have added icing buckets to my trapline today, they would be perfect for holding brass.