Okay I've just picked up some boiled linseed oil with the intention of refinishing my Garand and Thompson stocks. Quick question, how much will it darken the wood? I don't want to go too dark on the stain before applying.
From my experience the wood will only absorb a certain amount in one go. Basically apply it, let it soak in for a couple of days and then apply it again if it's not to you satisfaction. Also bear in mind it will darken down to a certain extent on its own over time.
Also, if you're not used to using it, make sure to dispose of your cloths safely, if using any.
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depending on the type of stain you use it can be re stained after oiling , you need a spirit based stain not water based stain , basically if it smells of trerps then you can re stain after oiling .oiling takes about a week , apply a coat a day and let it soak in , it's a satisfying job .for best results use a really fine sand paper before as any coarse sanded areas will stand out when stained , at least a 600 -1000 grit paper then when done you get a real depth of colour.
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Thanks guys, I'm used to working with resins and other flammables so I'm always extra careful with rags. I'm using colron stain as it's proved to be the most reliable and stable. The stock I'm working on appears to be American walnut so the American walnut stain is really good at just bringing it down a little at a time. Going to start the oiling tomorrow and see how it goes. I'll take step-by-step pics so we can create a reference guide for anyone else who wants to try oiling a stock. 
Is linseed oil picky about air humidity, does need to be dry air for it absorb the oil?
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Well i did mine in Scotland in the spring so it was never desert conditions! To be honest it doesn't give off too much of a smell so I just left it indoors while I was out most of the day between coats.
If I may add a suggestion from my experience of refinishing air rifle stock over the years.
The best oil I have used after experimenting is Danish oil applied by hand(heat from your hand thins the oil and the friction opens up the wood pores too.)
With your stock wet sanded,dried at room temp for 24hrs, wipe down with white spirit and allow to dry.
Stain using birchwood casey walnut stain and let dry again.
Use the Danish in thin coats and let it stand for 20 minutes and wipe the excess and buff if you like a semi sheen finish.
Repeat every day and you get a lovely look and a good water resistant protection.
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I find that straight boiled linseed oil takes forever to dry. I recently used a 50/50 mix of Boiled Linseed Oil to Gum Turpentine on a Gransfor axe and it seems to go on much better, gives an identical finish but dries much faster.
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