What is an indication that additional wood needs to be removed during the inletting process?

The presence of black marks from inletting black indicates that there are still areas on the wood that are not fully fitted or sealed. Inletting black is a marking substance used to identify high spots or areas where the wood does not fit snugly against the corresponding part, such as a metal receiver or barrel in firearms. When it’s applied and there are visible black marks after the inletting process, it suggests that additional material needs to be removed from those specific areas to achieve a proper fit. This is essential for ensuring the components align accurately and function as intended.

Shiny areas on the wood, chipped edges, or rough texture do not specifically indicate a need for further wood removal during inletting. Shiny areas might occur due to excessive rubbing or polishing, chipped edges may result from mishandling, and rough textures could simply denote an unfinished surface. However, the specific presence of inletting black marks serves as a clear indicator of where adjustments are needed for an optimal fit.