Stock material

[tom in nc]

I got this 10ft piece of maple from someone that we hired to do some work on our house. He saw my rifle above the fireplace and started a conversation. He says this has been cut for "several years". And he says there is plenty more where this came from.

 

[Dave Dworshak]

I hope that it is thick enough for a stock! Good score!

 

[tom in nc]

I have figured out that the plank I got is thick enough for rifle stocks except ones with the thickest, widest cheekrests, (which I dislike anyway). I was told there is/are plenty more available very cheap. The first one was actually free. I was also told that the planks have been sawn for a few years and stored in dry condition.
I'm wondering, for future use, should I go by one of my stocks and bandsaw out a few blanks and store them? Should I use a meter that I have somewhere, ( just have to find it), and check the moisture content? What numbers do I want to see if I check? How do I know whether it is stock material or firewood? Thanks.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Ask Jim Kibler, he’s spoke on the issue of moisture and size.