I have a crazy idea about taking some of the birch I have growing on my quarter section and making blanks for rifle and possibly handgun stocks. A few questions before I go further.
What is the minimum diameter of tree to start with?
What would be the appropriate size for a standard rifle blank?
Other than avoiding the sap wood and the core what parts of wood should be avoided?
How long should the blanks be dried prior to beginning shaping? Assuming storing indoors and avoiding freezing temperatures. That being said can wood be dried outside where protected from rain and snow but exposed to freezing temperatures?
Other thoughts or input are welcome.
Thanks
GRF
