Good gunstock material or...?

[ryoung14]

I've got over a dozen walnut trees to remove on my Dad's property. They're anywhere from 30 to 50 years old with trunks of 8 to 16 inches. They are English walnut (sometimes referred to as Carpathian walnut??) grafted on to American black walnut trunks. They've not been cared for at all and are wild looking things with suckers growing everywhere. They are thoroughly ugly trees, although one or two produce really wonderful thin-shelled eating walnuts.

Before I cut them up for firewood I thought I'd ask if they have any value for stock making or anything else? If so, who would I contact to have them appraised or arrange a sale?

Thanks.
Bob

 

Haveing been in the log and lumber industry for 30+ years from what you are describeing the trees will more than likely not be good for gun stock blanks.
Suckers = knots and they are not the quality that is expected in gun stock blanks.
Woody

 

[ryoung14]

Thanks Woody. That's what I suspected. Guess they'll do to keep the house warm.
Bob

 

[vradin]

Suckers = knots and they are not the quality that is expected in gun stock blanks.
Woody

Was wondering what 'suckers' were. I thought it might have been some sort of vine or other.

You might also try asking in usenet newsgroup rec.woodworking about the walnut. I don't think the limbs are useful for much due to the internal stresses, but the trunks might be good for some local woodturners or small custom shops that don't mind knotty walnut.

Either way, it don't hurt to ask over there as someone might want them, and offer to log them out in exchange for the wood.

Too bad I'm not closer - wouldn't mind some walnut for turning.

vic