Carving Gunstocks: Power Techniques

Heavy with photos and reasonable descriptions, this book isn't big on pages but it is good to inspire. The author uses a turbine carver but a Dremel, Foredom, or any other rotary tool can be used. Turbines have less vibration and chatter that plagues most rotary systems that spin at slower rates, still it's doable.He covers the transfer of design to the stock using tacky mylar sheets that can be used in a printer, but tracing vellum with a low stick adhesive is serviceable if you are on a budget. There are examples of his work in the back to help with a little inspiration. Only thing not covered is how to price your work.The author is open to communication and is happy to answer questions. Personally, I think he should write more books on the subject and on creating inlays that add panache to stocks and grips and possibly branch out into scrimshanding as well as engraving.I happily recommend this book to anyone looking to carve their stocks for personal use or professional vocation.

The book arrived on schedule, packaged well and pleased with the seller. It has great illustrations and guiding information on carving gunstocks. The book also covers pneumatic carving tools and burs that are available. You also learn what tool and bur is recommended for each step in the carvings along with many patterns. Just a great book.

Author Valencia's idea of 'power engraving' is apparently not to leave any material of a design ABOVE the surface of the original stock itself. Though much more 'work' I admit, taking the entire stock down at least half a mm (metric, for Jose's sake) around the areas to be "power carved" will result in much more of a three dimensional look to the artwork when complete. And will someone introduce the author/carver to some appropriate rifflers and MY semi-patented open-grit abrasive cloth dots and diamonds, Barge cemented to the faces of various sizes and shapes of bandsaw'd O-rings (high-durometer, fat-sectioned rings are better...always butyl rubber) so that he could sand out the ugly worm-tracks of his vibrating power bits?Jose, only now, in the age of the mechanical engraver, are we forced (mostly in speed-maddened industry I am happy to say) to put a GUTTER all around the checking or the engraved pattern/figures, to absorb hasty/sloppy overruns with the cutting gear. I regret buying this 'work', and had I seen the Schiffer imprint I would have avoided it altogether. But still, it might help some to get started, and any author/artist getting paid for his work these days is a major triumph....I threw in a second star for those reasons.

Seems kind of light on examples and details.

Good book, interesting patterns. Only get this book if you are artistically inclined and if you have a strong power carver. Some of the gun shops I frequent gave me old rifle and shotgun stocks to learn how and not mess up my own guns. You need patience and a "stay with it " attitude to become a good carver of gunstocks, but the end result is worth the work.

Meeting the Author in Dallas, TX was a great motivator to discuss this fine, detailed art form.

I am new to carving gun stocks so I wanted a couple patterns

This is an excellent starter book. Mr. Valencia is a gifted carver, and takes the reader (student) through the carving process step by step. His use of quality photographs with short explanations is very thorough. I would recommend this book to anyone thinking about getting into power carving, not just gunstocks, as the techniques are applicable to any power carving.

This is a good starter for any one that is interested in the carving and chequering of gun stocks, some of the patterns are word a look at and could be applied to other thing.

Excellent walkthrough of the procedures involved. Lots of clear pictures and accompanying explanations.

very good instructions

Great Book!