Next Kibler Rifle Kit - What Wood Choice?

[Monk]

I'm a new builder of flintlocks, and as I wrap up my current build, I had ordered another kit, the Woodrunner in the extra curly Maple, the same wood as I used with my current rifle.
I started to think about that, and wondered if another wood choice may be better, just for a change of scenery.

Trying to find an online selection of the various wood types, finished in color so that I could help make the decision.
Does anyone know if there is an online comparison, there is so much variance looking at complete rifles.

Thinking about something darker in color, though perhaps I could do that with the curly Maple, if I used a different finish than the Tried & True.

Thank you!

 

[Phil Coffins]

The stain makes the color, the finish makes the shine. You can stain to anywhere between blond to black with shades of red, yellow, or anything else.

 

[64Springer]

Make sure to use an alcohol based stain. Trans-Tint.

And not some muddy oil based stain. Minwax.

 

[Rodd Boyer]

I like cherry.... so many variables with it and they are all stunning!

 

[Monk]

Thank you all, I am move to woodworking, and suggestions like that are very helpful.

How does cherry wood finish and hold up in comparison to say the curly maple wood that I used on the current build?

 

[Phil Coffins]

Maple is slightly stronger.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

I only work in walnut, black walnut preferred.
As all fine military rifles should be.

 

[jbwilliams3]

As probably 90% of American rifles of the period were maple, that would be the obvious choice. Walnut and cherry are good choices too as it wasn't unheard of and both of those woods yield beautiful, yet different looks.

 

[S.Kenton]

I’m a fan of simple plain maple, it seems that the carving stands out better and the metal finish is more pronounced… that’s just my opinion. My next build or revamp will be a darker stain.. nearly black and then I’ll rub it back with steel wool and finish off the barrel and lock in French gray.

 

[exarcher]

I'm a new builder of flintlocks, and as I wrap up my current build, I had ordered another kit, the Woodrunner in the extra curly Maple, the same wood as I used with my current rifle.
I started to think about that, and wondered if another wood choice may be better, just for a change of scenery.

Trying to find an online selection of the various wood types, finished in color so that I could help make the decision.
Does anyone know if there is an online comparison, there is so much variance looking at complete rifles.

Thinking about something darker in color, though perhaps I could do that with the curly Maple, if I used a different finish than the Tried & True.

Thank you!

how did you blue/black your lock? looks good..

 

[Jason holgate]

I like black walnut if not pear or cherry

 

[Jason holgate]

Here is my cherry I am darkening via the sun tried and true only

 

[Campbell]

Here is my cherry I am darkening via the sun tried and true onlyView attachment 216138View attachment 216139

Jason, I like that!
Any lye or stain on that cherry?

 

[Jason holgate]

No only tried and true cut with turpentine put on with scotch Brite pad kibler style darkened by sunshine 8 hours a day last 8 days

 

[Jason holgate]

Day 1 thru day 8 3 coats tried and true

 

[springfield art]

Make sure to use an alcohol based stain. Trans-Tint.

And not some muddy oil based stain. Minwax.

Minwax; Yuck!

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

I only work in walnut, black walnut preferred.
As all fine military rifles should be.

Johnny Black Walnut is a rarity today?? Yes? Just asking....

 

[springfield art]

Real plain-grained rifles look good; too many are super curly to the point where it's over the top. JMHO, both are nice.

 

[th1840]

Use NGR stain if you have carved and wiskered 3/4 times and deep penetrating sealer(especially under butt plate) before final finish

 

[MikeWas]

I like black walnut if not pear or cherry

Almost any nut or fruit wood would be good. Persimmon is a beautiful white wood but hard to find, especially pieces large enough for a rifle.