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any stock makers out there?

djh860
Ever since I was a boy I wanted to make a stock out of the black walnut tree in my back yard. Well last year it fell down. Its about 36- 42" across. I have kept the main trunk up to the point where a massive first branch headed off. This is about 7 to 10 feet long.

I'm thinking that this massive first crotch could yield some interesting gun stock blanks. This wood is as dark as chocolate fudge. I don't care if its going to be expensive. Its something I want to try unless it would be a total waste of time and money.

If I find someone to cut it what size is a gun stock blank and at what angle should the wood be cut to the grain. Any advice or comments?
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • iwannausername
    Read this -

    http://www.oldtreegunblanks.com/sawcuts.shtml


    This will tell you how it should be cut.

    Then of course, actually drying the wood, etc. all comes into play.
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  • woodoctor
    Although I am not a stock maker I am a woodworker. Drying the wood correctly is very important. I would cut the wood at least 1 and 1/2 inches thicker than you need; maybe a foot longer and cut several blanks. Despite what many will say it is impossible to tell for sure what you will find inside. Alot is luck of the draw. Also impossible to tell how the wood will react to drying. I may twist or warp. There may be voids inside. Walnut is one of the most stable so that helps. After you have the pieces cut seal the end grain with thick paint. You have noticed how when you buy lumber the ends are painted, this allows it to dry more slowly and reduces checking (cracks). Stack it outside in a dry place ( no rain on it) put sticks in between the pieces to allow air to circulate. You can put weight on top or band it together to avoid warping; but walnut may do fine. Dry 1 year per inch of thickness. I would then move your favorite peices indoors for 6 months or so before you begin. Best do this in spring or summer to avoid the super dry air of your furnace. This is long winded but I hope it helps.
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  • tocamoha
    Contact American Walnut Co. @816-232-6781 They might be able to saw the wood and kiln dry the blanks.
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  • Alan Rushing
    djh860

    You have received some very good hints, suggestions and directions.

    Let me add to them if I may. I have no idea where you live ... for areas that I have been, you may want to keep out of direct sunlight, not just covered, but with no direct sun hitting the stack.

    Also, I believe that everything that would eat or burrow into wood, loves black walnut ... like people might like caffeine, chocolate or ice cream. So, take what ever steps will protect against your own list of critters for your area.

    I've seen a fortune in black walnut lost to carpenter ants, cartenter bees, and both sorts of termites ... just a heads-up! It is really disgusting to take that sort of loss, but especially after all the time, labor and efforts.

    Oh, be sure to protect the ends and any bare areas immediately.

    Let us know how it works out for you if you would.
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  • mrbruce
    Your thinking right when you say the crotch wood will be very interesting, and the stump will be even more so, dig it up and use it too... You'll need to wait till its good and dry before you need to worry about the grain flow.
    When you do get to it just make sure the grain runs in the same direction, with no sharp bends in the wrist area.. It needs to flow along with the lines of the rifle...
    40 inches long and 3 1/2 wide will be a good blank to work with..
    Take your time and it will be a piece of art done by you....
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  • FEENIX
    Try Joel Russo ...

    http://russoriflestocks.com/

    Good luck!

    Ed
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  • Tailgunner1954
    quote:Originally posted by tocamoha
    Contact American Walnut Co. @816-232-6781 They might be able to saw the wood and kiln dry the blanks.


    Never ever kiln dry a stock blank. That's the fastest way to ruin a potential stock blank (the second fastest way is to use salt to draw out the moisture (AKA Salt Cured))
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  • butchlambert
    You might follow this thread.
    http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9411043/m/2821080631
    Butch
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