Stock blank dimensions

[MadscoutB5]

I've come into a supply of cherry wood since my father took a tree down on his property. I'll be cutting the blanks from full logs and I am in need of some wisdom from you gunbuilding Jedis out there. The projects I would like to create blanks for are as follows:

Late Lancaster/Dickert
Fullstock hawken
kentucky pistol
Bucks Co/ A.Vernier
Bedford Co.

I can find the dimensions on the finished stocks, no problem. What dimensions should the blanks be, though?

Thanks in advance and I'm glad I found the forum. I've been a reenactor since birth and currently am a redcoat (Rev war - British 1st Rgt of Foot, Grenadier Company, Corporal), so it's nice to find others who are as into this stuff as I am!

Jeremy :v:

 

[necchi]

A recent thread; http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/292926/

 

[MadscoutB5]

Thanks!

 

[ZUG]

I think all but the Bucks Co. you can get away with 2-3/8" on the Bucks I'd go 2-3/4"+. The wood will shrink about 1/8"-3/16" in thickness depending on moisture content. General rule of thumb for drying is 1 year for every 1" - remove bark and seal the ends up good. Do a search on what to seal the ends with there is a lot of stuff people use I used wax one time and had some checking. The planks need to be "stickered" (1"spacers between layers don't space too far apart or you will get warping) so air can circulate.