I believe one factor that is contributing to the declining popularity of hand checkering is simply technology. Back when people first started doing this type of work things like laser engravers did not exist. Checkering by hand is subject to mistakes because we are human, and a slip of the wrist can spell disaster while the use of a laser engraver can be as simple as inputting the design and hitting start.
I think gunsmiths should continue this type of gun stock art (by hand) because repair work may still be necessary even if the original work was done by a laser engraver. If checkering is damaged and you wish to fix it using a laser engraver, then you cannot just work over the existing damaged pattern. You would need to remove the finish and sand away all of the original work to recreate the pattern. A finish that shines like an epoxy finish is a real issue when using a laser engraver to create a checkering pattern. Most people think that if you change the intensity of the laser then it should work through the finish and hit the wood but what you may not know is that a finish of this type can refract the laser and damage not only the stock but possibly the machine itself. I think all gunsmiths should learn checkering by hand even if it is not their area of expertise. Sure, if the customer is starting with a blank stock and wishes to have a very intricate design worked into it by hand, then they may want to find a specialist but minor repair to existing work should be available by your average gunsmith in my opinion.
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