Checkering Tools-Where to Buy?

G

gudspelr

Joined
Jul 1, 2013
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I’ve been looking at getting Dembart’s 18 LPI master checkering set for quite a while now. A few years ago, I got a book suggested by a maker to get a little prepped on how it all works. I finally decided to pull the trigger on a set with some Christmas money I got, but ran into a problem. EVERYWHERE that I can find them shows out of stock or discontinued. I tried calling Jantz to see if they had any idea when or if they’d get some more in stock, but I just end up on hold. I found dembart’s site and called the number, but no one answered and the mail box is full so you can’t leave a message.

In my online searching, I haven’t found a used set for sale. I have instead found some other brands that are a whole lot more expensive, or only came with half the number of tools and was still a lot more expensive.... Does anyone have suggestions on where I can source a dembart set? Or if they aren’t available anywhere, an alternative that won’t break the bank and comes with enough various tools to make it worthwhile? Thanks for any help.

Jeremy
 
I did-they have the sets on their site, but they’ve been listed as out of stock for quite some time.

Jeremy
 
A.McPherson said:
If you’re not hung up on the brand you can get other checkering tools...

https://www.midwayusa.com/s?userSearchQuery=Checkering+&userItemsPerPage=24


https://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=Checkering&ksubmit=y
Click to expand...


No, I’m good with other brands-I was just hoping someone might know about a set that was similar in price to the dembart one. It could be had for about $50 or a bit more depending on where you ordered it and had 6 different tools. The others I’ve seen appear to be a LOT more expensive. Or, fewer tools for around $120....

Jeremy
 
dembart at dixie gun works. they have the master sets in 18 and 24 lpi If I remember correctly. cutters are iffy some in stock some not. I think they were around 70 a set when I got mine.
 
Any thoughts on getting 60 vs 90 degree cutters? I’ve seen some cutters listed with these different angles and others don’t seem to mention any angle...


Jeremy
 
I think 60 degree looks better than 90 but that's just personal opinion. 90 since it's more obtuse sharpens up at lesser cut depth.
 
kuraki said:
I think 60 degree looks better than 90 but that's just personal opinion. 90 since it's more obtuse sharpens up at lesser cut depth.
Click to expand...

Interesting-that makes sense, though in regards to depth of cut. But in my head, the 60 degree might look nicer with the deeper cuts? Thanks for your thoughts.

Jeremy
 
gudspelr said:
Interesting-that makes sense, though in regards to depth of cut. But in my head, the 60 degree might look nicer with the deeper cuts? Thanks for your thoughts.

Jeremy
Click to expand...

That's what I mean, I like the deeper cut you get from 60 degrees better.
 
Hengelo_77 said:
I first cut all lines at 60 degrees, then clean them up with a finer 90 degree cutter.

That's at least how Gunline checkering tools work
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information. I’m considering trying the Gunline kit since it appears Dembart may be all but out of business? Who knows if I’ll be able to find cutters down the road if I get their set... I’m just a little bummed that the Gunline one appears so much more money for only 4 tools. Maybe they’re that much better made....

Jeremy
 
Last time I looked they offered replacement cutters.(gunline)
Here's some pics you might like:
This is my self made EDC. The checkering is 20lpi.
I got 20 lpi because you can get 20 lpi checkering files as well. If I ever want to do something matching, steel and wood at least my tools will match.

IMG-20181003-111331.jpg

IMG-20180626-091603.jpg


This is the set I use, this is the six piece set. I wouldn't want to miss any of them.
The tripple cutter is handy to keep lines straight when the grain of the wood isn't.

IMG-20170929-200748.jpg

IMG-20170929-200957.jpg


Masterlines cut (amboina burl isn't the best wood to checker)

IMG-20170929-210452.jpg


Two
IMG-20170929-211630.jpg


Three
IMG-20170929-212749.jpg


These are all 60degrees
IMG-20170930-123441.jpg

IMG-20171003-152321.jpg


After that you make them nice and crisp with a 90 degrees
IMG-20171230-124958.jpg


Lots of fine and detailed work. Not everybody's cup of tea.
I love it!
 
Last edited:
Hengelo_77 said:
Last time I looked they offered replacement cutters.(gunline)
Here's some pics you might like:
This is my self made EDC. The checkering is 20lpi.
I got 20 lpi because you can get 20 lpi checkering files as well. If I ever want to do something matching, steel and wood at least my tools will match.

IMG-20181003-111331.jpg

IMG-20180626-091603.jpg


This is the set I use, this is the six piece set. I wouldn't want to miss any of them.
The tripple cutter is handy to keep lines straight when the grain of the wood isn't.

IMG-20170929-200748.jpg

IMG-20170929-200957.jpg


Masterlines cut (amboina burl isn't the best wood to checker)

IMG-20170929-210452.jpg


Two
IMG-20170929-211630.jpg


Three
IMG-20170929-212749.jpg


These are all 60degrees
IMG-20170930-123441.jpg

IMG-20171003-152321.jpg


After that you make them nice and crisp with a 90 degrees
IMG-20171230-124958.jpg


Lots of fine and detailed work. Not everybody's cup of tea.
I love it!
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the pictures and details-it’s certainly helpful. I’ve considered getting some dembart handles and then loading up on cutters since it may be very likely there won’t be any available down the road. But I’d hate to need new cutters and be out of luck and have to buy a different set. So, that’s why I’ve been looking at the Gunline set. I think the 4 piece set I’ve seen is $120. Do you remember how much your 6 piece set was?

Also, are your two and three line cutters 60 degrees? Was just wondering if you use those to mark the lines and then have to go back over them all with a single cutter that’s 90 degrees? Thanks again for your help.

Jeremy
 
I can't remember how much I payed, my set is over ten years old.
And yes you first cut every line with the 60degree cutters, then go over every line with the 90degree cutter.
I have three 60degree cutters.
One single line, one double, one trippel.
Have a good look at the fourth pic it shows the cutters.
And practice on scrapwood first, it's easy to screw things up
 
Also don't cut the 60 degree lines to deep.
You're not cutting diamonds yet you're only cutting a line for the 90degree cutter.
That's the one that makes all the diamonds
 
Hengelo_77 said:
Also don't cut the 60 degree lines to deep.
You're not cutting diamonds yet you're only cutting a line for the 90degree cutter.
That's the one that makes all the diamonds
Click to expand...


Okay, gotcha. At least in my head I was thinking it would be easier to have those 2 and 3 line cutters be 90 degree? Seems like a lot of extra work to make all the lines with those cutters only to have to go back over them with a single line cutter that’s 90 degrees?

Jeremy
 
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