The pattern on a European made gun will likely be laid out using millimeters. Good luck finding multi-row cutters spaced accordingly. For that matter, no matter what the spacing is, one never ever tries to use a multi-row cutter to freshen up existing checkering. They are merely for initial lay-out. Rarely will, say, a new 22LPI double row cutter perfectly match an older 22LPI pattern. Slight differences in tolerances, etc. make that wishful thinking. Best to just lay in a couple single row cutters and have at it one row at a time. Set them up in their own handles with them faced to cut both on the push and pull stroke (always pull the line away from the border, never push into the border), and a short cutter to get into tight places, and a veining tool or riffling file for ditto. If the pattern has a border, then you'll need the proper tool for that, too. Use coarse cutters for initial disruption of finish and grime in the old pattern, and fine cutters to finish it up.
Probably the most important tool is the one sitting between your ears. Wear a pair of magnifiers so you can see right down into the depths of the pattern, have good lighting and a firm rest. Stop the minute you get fatigued, or your mind starts to wander, you get sleepy, or you get interrupted. Don't listen to heavy metal or punk rock- choose something pastoral for background music if you need to listen to something. Ignore this advice only if you don't care about run-overs, uneven depth of lines, and criss-crossed lines.
Last edited by gnoahhh; 06/07/16.
