Stock dimensions

[yetti462]

I have found a sugar maple that has very unique bark characteristics, this tree is only the second I've seen in my life. Looking at literally 1000's of trees a year as a forester, I think I have a potentially highly figured maple. I'm going to cut the tree and have it sawn. My question is what size planks do I need to have it sawn to make a stock? Thinking of a muzzleloader maybe, .32 cal.

 

[sloughfoot]

I would go at least 6 feet to give your stock maker plenty to work with. Have you asked your stock maker?

 

[EyeCarry]

Pics? How can you tell from the bark?

 

[CountryBoy19]

Pics? How can you tell from the bark?

In most cases there are subtle clues that only a trained eye can pick up, even then it's nothing more than a "I think this one MIGHT be highly figured". You will never truly know without having it sawn to see.