turning walnut sock into gun stock(s)

[mr d]

i have some 8'-20' logs to mill and want to use the scap for a gun stock project. Not getting any good google hits so... wanted to pick your brain(s)..HOW TO and any advise please is welcome.

[Heartman]

Cut your stock into stock blanks, then let them sit for at least 5 years, possibly longer.

[mr d]

i was told to fit the hardware 1st then shape it. makes sense.

[SmilinBob]

yes, fit all the action and hardware first, but the wood needs to dry for a few years to prevent any warping that may occur.

[LaXCarp]

Or find someone who dries wood in a kiln to cut down on the time!

[hydro]

First you have to properly season or dry the wood to relieve the internal stresses that will cause warp and twist, both very bad for a gunstock. To do this you would first determine the maximum dimensions of your finished gunstock and then cut the wood about an inch bigger in height and width, and at least 8" longer. Then using HOT melted parrafin, dip the ends of the blank to slow down the drying process at the end grain. If you skip this step it WILL crack. Also, be sure that the pith of the tree is not in your blank. If you choose to air dry the blank, place it in an unheated garage for at least one year, then bring it indoors to a heated area for at least two years. This will get the moisture content down to equilibrium with the indoor environment where the finished gun will be stored, typically about 12% to 15%.

If you cannot wait the years for the wood to properly season, as stated above you can take it somewhere and have it kiln dried. That may be costly, but it will only take a couple of months. After kiln drying let it sit indoors for a couple more months to equalize as above to the 12% to 25% indoor moisture levels.

If you want to have some wild grain in the stock, be sure to cut the blank so that it is only in the rear portion of the stock. This grain will almost always move around with seasonal changes in moisture content. If all of this sounds kind of daunting, you could do some homework and purchase a ready to use blank. That will save loads of time and likely some money as well. Good luck and have fun with the project.

[MSRiverdog]

Buy a blank, unless you are a serious wood worker it's not worth the bother. I have a guy that might be interested in the trees if they are big enough and would work with you. Milling it yourself is a lot of work that may yield you a bunch of firewood.

[mr d]

not sure of a good sell price..was told 100.00 for the 2 logs was fair. found a local mill.....50.00 an hour seamed fair too then dry 'em "1yr per inch or run 'em thru a kilin. fishing rod handles seam like a opption too.

[MSRiverdog]

$50 is a good price, blade charge to if they hit metal. How wide were the logs? You did have them kiln dry them? I hope, your odd's of getting good usable lumber is much better if they have their act together.