Does anyone harvest their own stock wood?

[str8sh2ter]

If so where is the best part of the tree?i've heard you should look for a tree that is exposed to the elements.ie; on the edge of a lot or hedge row.is it true that the stump and large roots are best?
in a related topic.What length is a halfstock blank ussually?I'm thinnking ,for a 32"-36" barrel.Thanks

 

[Steven.Driediger]

trees exposed to the elements (like you described) would more than likely produce stronger wood with finer tighter grain. that would probably make it better than wood harvested from trees in more sheltered areas.

 

[Bon Sauvage]

I believe that whether you should select a stockwood from the edge of the stand or from deeper within it depends on the type of wood that you have. The various species of walnut are all shade intolerant while the maples are much more tolerant of the shade.

If you select a walnut tree from the edge of the stand that receives pleny of sunlight it will branch out sooner with many limbs. A walnut that is shaded will put it's resources into growing straight and tall to reach above the canopy into the sunlight. This means a straighter, stronger bole and more useable wood.