GRF;
Good afternoon my friend, I hope that you and yours are well on this warm afternoon.
While I'm far from an expert, I have built a few stocks from a chunk of wood.
Without going out to the shop to measure the slabs of walnut in the tack room, I want to say that I'd like at least 2.25" wide and 2.5" would be better. I'd also prefer at least 8" height.
The hardwood suppliers we dealt with when I was in the cabinet and furniture making business never kept any wood inside out of the cold or heat. They're in a closed building but that's all.
Birch is okay to work with, though it's tough to get stained evenly - like maple it often stains a wee bit blotchy.
If you're ever passing through here and you've got some room, I'd be happy to hack off a chunk of the black walnut slabs I've had for decades now. I've given some slabs to a few folks over the years, have built a few more stocks and still have more than I will ever use in this lifetime.
Also if I can be of any use, please don't hesitate to give me a shout.
All the best.
Dwayne
The old Indian trick to staining birch: leather dye.
