Question about Cypress wood......

Charmedlyfe · May 14, 2001, 09:10 PM

I want to know if Bald Cypress/American Cypress is suitable for rifle/shotgun stocks. I've just had some very LARGE logs come into my possession, and I can get them kiln-dried locally if it's worth it. Any advice? I've never used anything but walnut, and I'm looking for something new/different. Can Cypress be used to make a laminate for stocks?

Joe Portale · May 14, 2001, 10:06 PM

No absolutly not! Stay away from that stuff! They are dangerous and should be avoided at all cost!! Be extra careful with those cyperess logs that have been in the bottom of a lake or ocean for 100 years or so. These are very, very dangerous. Look, I don't want to see anyone get hurt. Just send those logs over to me and I'll take dispose of them properly!!

Okay, enough of that. I can't see any reason why cypress wouldn't make a fine stock. Look at the wood grain, just like you would if using maple or walnut, go for the long straight stuff. Cypress is a very stable wood, take finish well, and works well.

Instead of laminating a stock, maybe you should try to carve one yourself, or have one made from this wood. I am drying three mesquite logs for just that purpose.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Joe

Charmedlyfe · May 14, 2001, 10:13 PM

Well, these logs are about 20" thick, 6' lengths, and have line-straight grain. I was just wondering about how it would handle shock from a heavy round, and if it would be strong enough. I'd like to work a single piece, but I'd also be willing to laminate it if it would increase stability.

Has anyone done anything with cypress before?

**Mike Irwin** · May 14, 2001, 10:13 PM

I've seen muzzleloaders stocked with cypress, but never a modern-style rifle.

Guy L Johnson · May 14, 2001, 10:41 PM

Is A loose grained wood that before drying contains aprox 40% water it srinks conciderably, is not deminisionaly stable, is very soft and has common uses as cheap fence sections and shipping palets. In short it is generaly concidered trash wood but on the good side it won't rot for many years. just the observations of a Florida Boy who worked in a cypress mill.
Guy L Johnson

Rottweiler · May 15, 2001, 04:30 AM

Everything I've ever heard about Cypress is that it's a sponge compared to other species like the Walnut, Oak and Hickory varieties. Probably not a very good candidate for stable stock material.But for a stock on a rifle that accuracy isn't a concern (wall hanger) it would probably be pretty cool looking

Master Blaster · May 15, 2001, 09:26 AM

IT will be unstable with changes in hummidity, and it will rust your gun because of its hydroscopic nature (it likes to absorb moisture and hold it.

May 14, 2001, 10:06 PM	#2
Joe Portale Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 1999 Location: Tucson, Arizona Territory Posts: 715	No absolutly not! Stay away from that stuff! They are dangerous and should be avoided at all cost!! Be extra careful with those cyperess logs that have been in the bottom of a lake or ocean for 100 years or so. These are very, very dangerous. Look, I don't want to see anyone get hurt. Just send those logs over to me and I'll take dispose of them properly!! Okay, enough of that. I can't see any reason why cypress wouldn't make a fine stock. Look at the wood grain, just like you would if using maple or walnut, go for the long straight stuff. Cypress is a very stable wood, take finish well, and works well. Instead of laminating a stock, maybe you should try to carve one yourself, or have one made from this wood. I am drying three mesquite logs for just that purpose. Good luck and let us know how you make out. Joe __________________ Joe Portale Tucson, Arizona Territory "Even now in heaven there are angles carrying savage weapons". - St Paul

May 14, 2001, 10:13 PM	#4
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,383	I've seen muzzleloaders stocked with cypress, but never a modern-style rifle. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

May 14, 2001, 10:41 PM	#5
Guy L Johnson Member Join Date: March 23, 2000 Posts: 41	Cypress Is A loose grained wood that before drying contains aprox 40% water it srinks conciderably, is not deminisionaly stable, is very soft and has common uses as cheap fence sections and shipping palets. In short it is generaly concidered trash wood but on the good side it won't rot for many years. just the observations of a Florida Boy who worked in a cypress mill. Guy L Johnson

May 14, 2001, 09:10 PM	#1
Charmedlyfe Junior member Join Date: October 11, 2000 Location: SC Posts: 799	I want to know if Bald Cypress/American Cypress is suitable for rifle/shotgun stocks. I've just had some very LARGE logs come into my possession, and I can get them kiln-dried locally if it's worth it. Any advice? I've never used anything but walnut, and I'm looking for something new/different. Can Cypress be used to make a laminate for stocks?

May 15, 2001, 04:30 AM	#6
Rottweiler Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2001 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 391	Everything I've ever heard about Cypress is that it's a sponge compared to other species like the Walnut, Oak and Hickory varieties. Probably not a very good candidate for stable stock material.But for a stock on a rifle that accuracy isn't a concern (wall hanger) it would probably be pretty cool looking

May 15, 2001, 09:26 AM	#7
Master Blaster Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 1999 Location: One of the original 13 Colonies Posts: 2,281	IT will be unstable with changes in hummidity, and it will rust your gun because of its hydroscopic nature (it likes to absorb moisture and hold it.