How to Repair a Crack in a Walnut Stock

Walnut is an attractive hardwood that is often used on high-end guns. When stocks are made from walnut, burled portions of the hardwood are used for their beauty. Burls are defects in the wood that can develop cracks over time. Other problems develop when laminated walnut stocks begin to separate at the glue joints. Cracks are easy to repair with walnut-colored epoxy and clamps.

• 1

  Tape off the crack by placing masking tape along both sides of the crack.

• 2

  Mix the epoxy glue together per the manufacturer's directions. Dip your finger into the epoxy. Using the tip of your finger like a squeegee, smash and force the epoxy into the crack. Continue along the full length of the crack, forcing the glue into the opening.

• 3

  Place two hand-clamps on either side of the crack. Place a pad where the jaws make contact with the wood. Tighten the clamps until glue oozes out the top. Wait 15 minutes for the glue to gel.

• 4

  Dip your finger in water. Run your moistened finger tip over the glued crack, removing the excess glue and smoothing it down. Wait 15 minutes.

• 5

  Pull off the tape. Dip your finger in water and run your finger over the crack, smoothing the glue until it is flush with the wood. Let the glue dry for 24 hours. Remove the clamps.