stock blanks

[twistedtree]

If I was to start making and suppling gun blanks, what is the sizes that the gun makers want? Thickness? widths? and lengths? and what kind of wood is the most popular? And what kind of wood is the hardest to find?Do they want them rough cut out on a bandsaw or left in the board form? I deal directly with the guy that cuts the tree down and I have my own 3000bf wood kiln.

[wvmtnman]

I think the most important things would be to check for moisture content & make sure you have proper grain flow through the wrist.  I harvested a Cherry tree a couple years ago. I didn't get as many stocks as I wanted  due to ensuring proper grain flow through the wrist.
   As for the type of wood, Sugar maple with curl is the most popular, followed by red maple, then walnut and cherry.   You will have a few people who want maple without as much curl too.  
   I would stock wood between 2 -3 inches thick, with thicknesses closer to three being more popular.  As for length, you will need to develop a pattern that will fit a number of rifle styles.  
As for the plank or blank, that will depend on the individual.  Personally, I would cut them into blanks.
                                                                              Brian
  

[keweenaw]

There is a lot to know to turn planks into acceptable blanks.  Last summer I saw a dozen blanks someone had cut out of to-die-for curly planks.  If they had been cut correctly there would have been 6 rather than 12 and they would each have been worth about $400.  As it was not a single one was usable for anything other than $25 hawk handles or maybe a $100 pistol blank.  If you're going to do this you should visit the booths of some of the bigger blank dealers, like Wayne Dunlap or Freddie Harrison at the CLA show and see how blanks need to be cut.  But you should be aware that many of us have long time relationships with the good current dealers, know and trust what they sell, and are reluctant to deal with newcomers whose stock drying, blank layout, etc. we aren't so sure about. 

Tom

[Acer Saccharum]

What Snyder says is spot-on about proven dealers. You will have to make a name for yourself; good wood is always welcome. Stand behind your product, do your research, and offer your wood at competitive prices.

It is always best to select your wood in person. When that is not possible, the dealer gives a full description of the wood, and when they offer photos of the piece, both sides, top and bottom views, point out any potential flaws etc, the buyer is more likely to spring for a piece, when they know what they are getting into.

You must also develop working relationships with your customers, especially should you desire repeat business. All the dealers I know of stand behind their product. Some folks complain about prices, but please appreciate there is one heck of a lot of work that goes beyond the proper sawing and drying of the wood.

[twistedtree]

Are the better gun stocks air dried or kiln dried? I have a kiln that I can dry my own wood in.