[nosualc]

My FIL had to remove a large mature walnut tree from his farm yard a few years back. He removed all the limbs and put the trunk (approximately 12" in diameter, 14' long) still in the bark, into an out building with the thought he was going to have it milled into lumber some day.

Fast forward a few years and we decide it would be awfully nice if we could make it into some custom rifle stocks. Coupled with some actions, we're thinking it might make for some awfully special heirlooms to pass on to my sons (his grandsons) some day.

I saw the trunk recently, and by my inexperienced eyes, in really good shape. It's been out of the sun and dry, but the building is unheated and subject to the temperature extremes of southwestern MN.

We're getting ready to section it and send to a local mill for cutting. What size should we have pieces cut? How do I tell if the pieces are suitable for making stocks? Do I need to do anything special to the pieces after cutting?

Ideally I'd like to get enough for 4 stocks, and I'm aware that it will be quite expensive. Any help or advice would be most appreciated!

-nosualc