California Joe's Wood

[Durandal]

Logs of Walnut, feshly cut (when the picture was taken abot three weeks ago).
http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/IMG_3604.JPG.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/IMG_3605.JPG.JPG

A view of our small saw mill (portable even) in use.

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/100-0075_IMG.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/100-0064_IMG_2.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/100-0048_IMG.JPG

Joe gets the first blank I cut.

Oh, and Joe. I now know how to "Quarter Cut". Its a pain in the ass, but it reduces the amount of warping and is a MUCH stronger cut. Definately worth the hassle....you also get a bit more interesting wood grain pattern out of it.

[Guttorm]

SO, what wil Joe be using this wood for?

[Macs.]

SO, what wil Joe be using this wood for?

For his fire-place ?




Or for that: :bash:

[Durandal]

A rifle stock...

I am thinking of making custom .45 1911 grips myself...

Who knows.

It takes freshly cut and hewn lumber about a year and a half to two years to properly dry, so I am going to need some patience.


So far so good..

[farmgirl]

Thanks for sharing, Durandal. I know I've been anxious to see Joe's wood. p-)

[Durandal]

Thanks for sharing, Durandal. I know I've been anxious to see Joe's wood. p-)

And what sexy wood it is. ;)

[farmgirl]

Thanks for sharing, Durandal. I know I've been anxious to see Joe's wood. p-)

And what sexy wood it is. ;)


Yes, yes it is.... almost as nice as yours.... ;)

[Maine Finn]

A rifle stock...

I am thinking of making custom .45 1911 grips myself...

Who knows.

It takes freshly cut and hewn lumber about a year and a half to two years to properly dry, so I am going to need some patience.


So far so good..

You can't kiln-dry it?

[MolliG]

I am thinking of making custom .45 1911 grips myself...

*Interested.* :)

[Durandal]

You can't kiln-dry it? Sort of yes and sort of no.

We do not have a kiln (though I may make a crude one in the future). We do use our barns to store them in after cutting, which is close. Certainly not perfect, but they work.

So yeah, it takes a while. Even kiln drying takes a while.

[Durandal]

Yes, yes it is.... almost as nice as yours.... ;)

Ummm.... :|

Was I drunk when I showed you? ;)

[Maine Finn]

Yes it does, but probably less time than it would take to let it dry naturally. And even then, I don't think the wood would really be dried all the way through, but I don't know all that much about wood and logging. I have to ask a friend of mine who used to be a logger when I want to know something particular.

[farmgirl]

Yes, yes it is.... almost as nice as yours.... ;)

Ummm.... :|

Was I drunk when I showed you? ;)


How quickly they forget.... hellllloooooo Barbados??? ;)

[Ichhabe]

Yes it does, but probably less time than it would take to let it dry naturally. And even then, I don't think the wood would really be dried all the way through, but I don't know all that much about wood and logging. I have to ask a friend of mine who used to be a logger when I want to know something particular.

But you do know a hell of a lot more about drying wood than I do.
Maybe it is because I come from this town:
http://www.mamut.com/homepages/Norway/3/15/janove/07v%20the%20senter%20of%20hammerfest.jpg

[California Joe]

You can't kiln-dry it? Sort of yes and sort of no.

We do not have a kiln (though I may make a crude one in the future). We do use our barns to store them in after cutting, which is close. Certainly not perfect, but they work.

So yeah, it takes a while. Even kiln drying takes a while.

THANKS PAL! Drying wood for gunstocks takes a long time because the wood has to equalize the moisture levels to between 8 and 11 % depending on where you live. It's vital that there be no cracks of any kind or the wood can easily split, especially in the wrist area of longrifles. Most "kilns" that I've seen gunstockers use are basically a big box with slats for the stock blanks to lay on and a lightbulb and a small fan to just circulate the air.

[Trigger]

California Joe is smart an' stuff. :D

[California Joe]

Notice how I avoided all the salacious referrences to showing farmgirl my wood? I'm all classy and ****.

[Maine Finn]

Yes it does, but probably less time than it would take to let it dry naturally. And even then, I don't think the wood would really be dried all the way through, but I don't know all that much about wood and logging. I have to ask a friend of mine who used to be a logger when I want to know something particular.

But you do know a hell of a lot more about drying wood than I do.


Logging and its related trades aren't my forte. However, if you need somebody to help put up wall sections, hang vinyl siding, drive nails, or tack up OSB, I'm your gal.

I'm a pretty good hand at hauling two-by-fours around too.

woot

[California Joe]

Are you hitting on me again?

[Maine Finn]

Should I be?

[Durandal]

Yes it does, but probably less time than it would take to let it dry naturally. And even then, I don't think the wood would really be dried all the way through, but I don't know all that much about wood and logging. I have to ask a friend of mine who used to be a logger when I want to know something particular.

Yeah, a kiln will dry the wood much more quickly. You also want to avoid warping it...which happens when it dries quickly in some areas and not so quickly in others.

When I quarter cut the sections for gun stocks I will actually wax the ends to avoid rapid moisture loss...avoiding warping and spliting (somthing else that happens when moisture leaves the wood).

Its all a pain the @ss, but the final product is definately worth the hassle.

[Maine Finn]

Yeah, a kiln will dry the wood much more quickly. You also want to avoid warping it...which happens when it dries quickly in some areas and not so quickly in others.

When I quarter cut the sections for gun stocks I will actually wax the ends to avoid rapid moisture loss...avoiding warping and spliting (somthing else that happens when moisture leaves the wood).

Its all a pain the @ss, but the final product is definately worth the hassle.

I'll have to remember that... I don't know much about wood, but I enjoy working with it when I can.

[Durandal]

How quickly they forget.... hellllloooooo Barbados??? ;)

Come on now, you know I wasn't sober for any of that. I only remember streakig across the lobby at 10 Am after having a 6 Bloody Mary breakfast.

Then there was that time I mistook Joe for you...


*shudder*


:D

[moog]

ahh the innocence of youth,maine finn :lol:

[Durandal]

Should I be?

Why not. He has all his teeth and is funny as hell. Go for it.

Don't you two live only two States away? Small States at that...

p-)

[Maine Finn]

ahh the innocence of youth,maine finn :lol:

Isn't it great?

woot

*giggles*
By the way, I'm still happily a virgin.

Still waiting for a guy to really interest me.
I think I'll be waiting a long time. I'm picky.
:D

[Durandal]

I'll have to remember that... I don't know much about wood, but I enjoy working with it when I can.

I'll umm avoid the smartass reply. :D

Soooo....

Its more fun than I ever thought. I am just starting myself. Last year I was making my own fence boards. This year, Oak Cabinets and gun stocks.

I just ordered a SWEET Japanese wood working set so I can start working on grip designs and textures...

Of course, I have to get my gunsmith room up and running first....I am seriously dragging @ss on this project. We had a sudden burst of good weather...

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/GunSmithRoom/gunsmithroom.jpg

[California Joe]

Nice joint my friend. I have gradually put together a lot of tools. Sort of like this forum. My garage is too cold or too hot to work in most of the time.

[Maine Finn]

I think pine is good for construction - it's what we used for studs in the building I helped build last year. Good stuff. I wish they would lay out plans for another building, that was fun!

:P

I like working with my hands that way... and it shows. I had blisters from using a hammer. (I was more aggressive at pounding nails than some of the guys, go figure!)

[Durandal]

Nice joint my friend. I have gradually put together a lot of tools. Sort of like this forum. My garage is too cold or too hot to work in most of the time.

I need to get some sort of ventilation set up. It is supper dry and cliamte controlled. I have a leak free basement, even though it was built in 1886. I am planning on doing reloading here as well not too sure how I am going to set it all up.

Still collecting tools, and probably will be till I die. Thankfully, having checked out some prices recently, most are hand me downs.

Be it barrel light or miter saw....tools rock.

[Durandal]

I think pine is good for construction - it's what we used for studs in the building I helped build last year. Good stuff. I wish they would lay out plans for another building, that was fun!

Pine is inexpensive soft wood sort of like the Ford Escort of lunmber. Perfect for the job but little style. The hardwood is where you get pricey and stylish with good grain and strength.

Pine is far easier to grow than hardwoods as well...

The walnut sections that are int he pic are probably 80 to 100 years old.

The pine you use for studs is probably 15 or 20 years old...

Wood is cool...

[Maine Finn]

Probably. Like I said, I don't know all that much about wood... but I'm always looking to learn more about stuff that interests me...

[memphiz]

i like to biuld things to, last year i biult my dad sweet workbench, but now we have to leave it cause we're moving, but you know whats funner that building, is breaking stuff

[Maine Finn]

Definitely... it's easier, too.

woot

[California Joe]

There are a lot of craftsmen up there Maine coon girl. Lots of old hardwoods, Tiger stripe Maple and Walnut. Whole different set of skills than framing out a basement.

[Maine Finn]

I have no doubt of that... I know one or two woodworkers and ex-loggers... they're unbelievably good at what they do. I wish I was that skilled at what I do.

Who framed a basement? *looks back at earlier posts*

[Durandal]

Next step completed...(two weeks ago actually)

Here are some pictures...

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/0.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/1.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/2.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/4.jpg

This is the one I selected or Joe...
http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/5.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/6.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/8.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/7.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/thesw0rdofroland/.Pictures/misc/10.jpg

8 sections of raw boards large enough for Joe's dimensions...

10 sections double the length of Joes original specs. Which equals a bare minmum of 27 large stocks are over a hundred modern multi piece stocks...

Now what to do with them. :)

[California Joe]

MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is a beautiful piece of walnut pal. That's like a farmgirl's back quality piece. ;)

May have to build a fine caplock target rifle with a false muzzle and everything out of a piece of wood like that.

[Haiw]

Does it burn well in a fireplace? ;)

[Durandal]

MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is a beautiful piece of walnut pal. That's like a farmgirl's back quality piece. ;)

I am glad you like it man...I even planed it down a bit so the surface was all smooth.

and yes it is farmgirl's back quality...smooth and sexy...;)


May have to build a fine caplock target rifle with a false muzzle and everything out of a piece of wood like that.

What ever you make out of it...make it sexy! The smaller sections are currently running 9" x 4" x 79" so even after drying you might have a little extra to play with.

You should see the scraps I have that I am going to make 1911 grips out of...super sweet.

As far as getting it to you...I might be in Fairfax County, Viriginia in the summer. I could drop it off on my way in...

[Durandal]

Does it burn well in a fireplace? ;)

*snort*

The photos I posted I am estimating to be well over a 1000.00 USD in raw Walnut...maybe more. It goes no where near the fire...

The scraps though...

Walnut is a hard wood. All hardwoods are fantastic for the fireplace or boilers...campfires, so long as its dry. Walnut smells fantastic when you burn it...almost like sweet grass.

[California Joe]

MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is a beautiful piece of walnut pal. That's like a farmgirl's back quality piece. ;)

I am glad you like it man...I even planed it down a bit so the surface was all smooth.

and yes it is farmgirl's back quality...smooth and sexy...;)


May have to build a fine caplock target rifle with a false muzzle and everything out of a piece of wood like that.

What ever you make out of it...make it sexy! The smaller sections are currently running 9" x 4" x 79" so even after drying you might have a little extra to play with.

You should see the scraps I have that I am going to make 1911 grips out of...super sweet.

As far as getting it to you...I might be in Fairfax County, Viriginia in the summer. I could drop it off on my way in...

That'd be cool as hell. I'm only about an hour from Fairfax. 20 miles from Fredericksburg. Beer's on me. That piece would be more than large enough. You know the types of rifles I'm talking about? Like the kind they used to shoot at Creedmore at 1000 yards. Heavy barrel, beautiful wood. That would be sweet.

[farmgirl]

MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is a beautiful piece of walnut pal. That's like a farmgirl's back quality piece. ;)

I am glad you like it man...I even planed it down a bit so the surface was all smooth.

and yes it is farmgirl's back quality...smooth and sexy...;)


May have to build a fine caplock target rifle with a false muzzle and everything out of a piece of wood like that.

What ever you make out of it...make it sexy! The smaller sections are currently running 9" x 4" x 79" so even after drying you might have a little extra to play with.

You should see the scraps I have that I am going to make 1911 grips out of...super sweet.

As far as getting it to you...I might be in Fairfax County, Viriginia in the summer. I could drop it off on my way in...




:oops: you boys are too kind ;)
you gonna name that baby after me, Joe? ;)

[California Joe]

Yes, yes I will. Davey Crockett had Betsy. I shall have you.

You know what I meant. ;)

[farmgirl]

yes... I know exactly what you meant.

two words..... permission slip p-)

[California Joe]

"I'd have got away with it too, if it wasn't for those damned meddling kids..."

[Durandal]

*meddle*

*meddle*

*meddle*

[farmgirl]

*meddle*

*meddle*

*meddle*


Joe says I can come visit him this summer too.... I told him I'd just ride along with you..... k???? ;)

[Durandal]

Joe says I can come visit him this summer too.... I told him I'd just ride along with you..... k???? ;)

;)

k...

Of course, after I drop of Joe's gunstock, I am heading directly to Cape Hatteras to get some beach time.

:P

[farmgirl]

Joe says I can come visit him this summer too.... I told him I'd just ride along with you..... k???? ;)

;)

k...

Of course, after I drop of Joe's gunstock, I am heading directly to Cape Hatteras to get some beach time.

:P

works for me.... you can be my oil boy..... ;)