I have a buttstock blank that's been in storage for over 25 years. In that time its developed a "bow" off of true straight. I wanted to get a look at the grain to see if I want to use it or go to another blank.
I've sanded off a few thousands to get past the surface oxidation(?)/black buildup and saw marks to wet the surface and see what's underneath. During that process I discovered it's developed an approx 1/8" bow along the overall 18" length during storage.
The initial thickness is 2", and I'd need to remove about 1/8th -3/16 to get back to a flat underside. There's enough wood left to make the stock, but that's not my question.
Does this "bow" somehow effect the suitability of the wood so that the grain will not lie straight in the finished stock? Should this blank go into the handgun stocks/knife scales pile?
[img]
http://i.imgur.com/YVKFElml.jpg?1[/img]
