Stock wood: stripping, steaming, etc...

[kmw]

Ok, this isn't an MG/SA-42 specific question, but it is about the stock for my SA-42.

I'm very happy with metal. Welding, bending, grinding, milling, finishing, whatever. Wood is new to me. I think it's pretty cool when I can cut a 2x4 straight.

1) I've got some paint stripper for wood for the stock, so I guess I'm set for that, but any advice would be helpful.

2) A question about "steaming out" dings. I've heard about, I can understand the physics behind it, but what how do I go about doing this? I'm assuming that is something I should do after all the old paint is stripped. As simple as holding the wood over a pot of boiling water or does it require something else?

3) Finishing. We've talked a lot about finishing the metal, but what about the wood? The stock I've got was painted black. Since I'm planning on a light colored "desert" finish, I need wood that looks right. Stains and urethanes? Or what? I'm going to try and make my own grips as well, since mine are trashed, and I've got some left over poplar after making a stab at building a wood bit for the shift console on my Rover.

[TOM R]

once you strip the wood it will be blond, either several coats of boliled linseed oil or tung oil

[TOM R]

follow this link for some info and pics http://www.panzer46.net/mg42board/viewt ... =5743#5743