Fitting A Recoil Pad

[Big Blue]

I never had a problem fitting a recoil pad before. I always used a bench mounted belt sander which worked great. Unfortunately it's motor burnt out last year. I have a stock I bought from Gunstocks odds and ends listings and wondered if any of you had any tricks I could use to fit the recoil pad?
Thanks,
Don

[Mac11700]

Some type of power sander is the easiest way,but if you use files..make sure your stock is well secured and easily seen at your bench.Make sure you keep your file flat and work it down slowly staying off the stock..I work them from the comb down to the heal and can make the toe as sharp as it should be.I use 3-4 wraps of blue painters tape around the stock.A bastard file works well enough for most Lymbsaver's or Pachmeyer's..but the Hi-Viz you might want a less course one to work it down close to the stock.Those have a tendency to tear easier. A small sanding block with various grits of paper is also needed for final finish and smoothing out the cut marks on the pad,and when getting close to the wood on the stock..I generally take it off to do the final fit with little bit of sanding on it. The main thing when filing it is to take your time..

Mac

[quickdtoo]

If you're fitting a soft pad like a Limbsaver or even a Decelerator, freeze the pad first when you do the finish work and it will come out much nicer, WD40 helps to keep it smooth too. I use a Miles Gilbert fixture, makes life much simpler.

Tim

http://www.limbsaver.com/2010/products/firearms/recoil_pads/grind/index.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak4YeXEN5FI

[Big Blue]

Thanks for the help guys! I had rough cut the recoil pad but it is very soft and flexes too much as I try to sand it with a palm sander. Freezing it is a great idea!!! I'll let you know how it comes out.
Don

[PawPaw]

All the recoil pads I've tried to fit look like a blind monkey used an axe and a chainsaw to fit the darned thing.  They work, but they're ugly.

Luckily, my local gunsmith is very adept at fitting pads.  He's done the last half-dozen or so for me.

[Big Blue]

Okay, I gave up and broke down and bought a new belt sander. About three minutes later I had a perfect fit for the Limbsaver pad. Now I can finish the stock. I already have a coat of Art's French Red stock filler on it. Pics to follow!
Don

[rdlange]

A helpful tool I use is a 3x24 sanding belt around a piece of something about 1 to 1.5 in thick x 3in wide, by however long to snug the belt tight when you carefully slide it on sideways. We used them in the cabinet shop alot so I have a couple for different grits.

Works really well for finishing up the final fairing of the pad to the stock.

I like the idea of freezing the pad.  Wish I'd done that.  Would have saved time and made it look better I bet.

[Big Blue]

I like the idea of freezing the pad.  Wish I'd done that.  Would have saved time and made it look better I bet.

I agree it is a great idea. After fitting mine to the stock I put it in the freezer and will smooth it out when I do a final fitting to the finished stock. Those Limbsaver pads are very soft and it makes it hard to get it as good as a factory finished pad. Freezing it has to help.
Don