Cherry stock blank with sapwood. What to do?

[Ky-Flinter]

Here's the good news.



And here's the bad news.





As you can see the sapwood covers most of the top and left side of the stock, except for the butt.  And the sapwood has numerous bug holes.  If the right side of this stock wasn't so dang pretty, I would just move on. 

I'd be most appreciative to see pictures of cherry stocked guns that have sapwood and/or worm holes, and how you dealt with it.  I am also interested in ideas on what type of gun would be appropriate for this stock.  The stock is 45" long and 2-1/4" thick.  Thanks

-Ron

[t.caster]

If the sapwood is hard as the rest I would use it. It usually doesn't show once it is stained. Beautiful figure!

[PPatch]

Have you considered making a half stock gun with it, perhaps a Vincent style? 

As far as the wood goes it is very nice. In my opinion the worm holes will only add to the beauty of the finished stock. If, that is, there are no live bugs in there, and be aware that those worms excrete some sort of enzyme that weakens the wood around their holes, it makes the wood somewhat soft and mealy in texture. I am dealing with that on a SMR currently. In your case it shouldn't be a problem since the holes are nowhere near the wrist area.

I think you ought to go with it.

dave

[Mike Brooks]

I'd stain it, should be fine.

[Robby]

I know that if you steam black walnut you can even out the sapwood to match the darker heart wood. I would isolate an area, like the end of what will be the fore stock, take it down to fresh wood, wrap some foil around it and steam away. I'd bet it will match up. Just me, but I don't like to stain cherry, it is very photo reactive and will achieve its own color in less than a year, just lay it in the sun whenever your not using it, even indoors it is very reactive and it just gets better and better. If you decide to give up on it let me know.
Robby

[Ky-Flinter]

Guys, thanks for the replies.   Robby, I'll give your steaming idea a try.  Thanks.

-Ron