Recycled wood for stock-question

[dwarvenchef]

In another post I thought about useing french walnut recycled from brewery fermenters as stock wood. I have NO clue what goes into making stock wood useable other than kiln drying.

Also where would I look to find such a wood to begin with. I like useing recycled wood for projects as I like to think of it haveing a second life. Giving my projects additional history. Any additional thoughts would be a help.

 

[jmckenney]

I have NO clue what goes into making stock wood useable other than kiln drying.

Actually, I think with a little research you will find that air dried wood makes the best stocking material. Kiln drying is just a way to get wood onto the market fast thus making a profit faster, has nothing to do with quality of the wood.

 

[pathfinderifh]

Driness, appropriate size, and stability are the major criteria into wood choice. The beauty of the wood should be secondary to the function,IMHO :hatsoff:.

 

[Harddog]

Driness, appropriate size, and stability are the major criteria into wood choice. The beauty of the wood should be secondary to the function,IMHO :hatsoff:.

I think that one of the major considerations when choosing stock wood is grain structure. Any old board will not make a good stock even though it has been properly dried and is of one of the types of wood usually used for gunstocks.

Ideally the grain should run parallel to the barrel channel then turn down at the breech and run parallel to the wrist area. I always look at grain structure before anything else. Typical "boards" do not have the grain structure that is appropriate for gun stocks.

Randy Hedden

 

[Erzulis boat]

On the grain issue as stated above- completely true.
I have been waiting, and will continue to wait for a certain supplier to find the right grain flow in precedence to figure.
I am a complete novice to muzzleloading, but too much of a factor is played by the wood to mess around.
My opinion, for what it is worth.

 

[dwarvenchef]

Ok so grain stucture is a must. How about additives, in this case beer, that may remain in the wood? I like oil finishes, will they seal the wood, thus keeping furniture safe?

 

[Erzulis boat]

I was thinking about the walnut-
If the wood has correct grain orientation ( does not have to exactly follow the drop in the butt, but should follow the wrist pretty close) and it is dry..................Go for it!
Just to hedge my bets, I would probably not go for some hard hitting monster caliber, but it will probably work just fine.
I love my beer, and if you showed me a rifle made from that stuff I would definitely think it was cool!
One down and dirty quick check is to cut a sliver and measure it with dial calipers. Let it sit for a day or two and measure again. If it shrinks more than about .01 on the widest portion, you might have problems.
Just visually, do the boards look sound? If you have some woodworking experience and feel fine, then everything will probably come out perfect.
Keep us posted! :v

 

[Roy]

Hmmm.... beer wood, sounds better every time I think about it. :grin: If its thick enough and long enough, try it out.
As far as finish goes try it out on a piece. You can "boil" or leech out oil or I imagine beer, by using a hot iron being carefull not to scorch the wood.

 

[scott k]

The only thing I would be concerned about is what was used to clean the wood in the beer plant.
I work with food at my new job and there are all kinds of nasty cleaners and stuff are used to clean the product lines with. Acids, alkaline and chlorine.
I don't know what would be used on wood but I'm shore it is very strong.
Lehigh...