For all the stockmakers out there. What would be the minimum size for a blank to be used for a magnum action. The action would be a Satterlee or GMA mauser. LxWxH. Thanks

The width is what I'm more interested in.

The reason I ask is that I found a blank that is 2.3 inch wide but I think that might cut it close on a big mauser action. The stock would be a classic pattern.

2.3" should suffice if the blank is not bowed at all; however, this really is a question that should be posed to your chosen stock maker.

Hmm....should be okay but, I better do some ciphering to be sure.

2-3/8'' for classic cheekpiece

If there are any flaws in the wood that could be overly thin.

I'm only asking , isn't 2.75 " the normal rough width ?.

I measured some of mine that I had given too me from a stock maker . They are 2.75" - 3.25" by various lengths he did a fair amount of shotgun stocks so those are the shorter blanks .

Shoot Straight Know Your Target . ...

quote:

Originally posted by Dr.K:
I'm only asking , isn't 2.75 " the normal rough width?.

Not any more it seems. The blank cutters are cutting them thinner and thinner all the time. I too have some old blanks that measure well over 3". Reducing a 3" blank to a 2.5" blank will increase the woodcutter's yield by 16%. The problem arises in the drying process - some blanks shrink more and the thinner blanks are more likely to twist or bend.

I've seen a lot of rifle blanks barely over 2" and it's just not worth the risk to use one. Look at the various websites that sell wood and you'll find lots of thin blanks. Any time the seller has to report the blank to the nearest 32nd of an inch (as in 2-11/32"), BEWARE. They're desperate to s-t-r-e-t-c-h the width as much as possible and have probably measured at the widest point on the blank.

The blank in question is at the bare minimum for the project contemplated. It really is up to the stockmaker to inspect the blank and pass muster. There's little margin for error and we'll never figure it out over the internet.

If the blank is nice and sraight, I use 2.25" blanks on a regular basis...especially with cast off, that's plenty...even if slightly bent (and the bend is in the proper direction) it will still be OK. Sometimes, the "Center line will have to be a little "kitty corner"..more than once, I've "twisted" the layout and build up with Bondo to make things square...gotta use imagination!

I'm better with metal than woodworming and I won't buy a blank under 3.5" thick. I'd rather spend more money than maybe end up with something that I'd end up wanting to throw away.

i dont think you would ever cut an english walnut blank 3.5" thick if you had to buy the tree

quote:

Originally posted by Gus:
i dont think you would ever cut an english walnut blank 3.5" thick if you had to buy the tree

I've bought them. As long as the person selling the wood is happy with what they are getting paid for it they will cut it however thick you want. Capitalism and all that.

i prefer 2.25 or more, for turning a normal rifle stock... even a CZ american will fit in that. i PREFER .250 larger than pattern stock ... because its easier on me

We'll I saw this blank and puchased it because I like it. It is 2.3 but if it won't cut the mustard I'll save it.