Black walnut

**Torker Man** · 10-18-2011, 04:36 PM

Walnut is very popular over here for bespoke gun stock and small arms & knife makers. Black walnut even more so.

Then if it is 'fiddle back' its worth some very nice coin!!

What's fiddle back??

"Fiddleback is a feature of regular pattern caused by compression of timber fibers. It is one expression of the stresses a tree experiences as it grows.

Weight is a common source of compression and a stout large tree such as River Red Gum can exhibit marked compression on all sides of the truck.

You will also find compression marks under heavy branches and aroundlarger roots where the tree grows cells in a compressed space to counter the weight.

It will also occur where trees are regularly subject to a strong prevailing wind or grow on steep slopes for example. These forms of compression often result in tension on the opposite side of the truck where the fibers are literally stretched. Boards cut from this section of the tree are more prone to bowing when cut as the stresses are relieved.

Its worth a stroll in the forest to check for horizontal ripples in the truck of the tree. This is often a sign that compression marks and probably fiddle back is to found under the surface."

I would find a small saw mill and have it ripped into 4" wide strips, or contact a local wood workers group. They would love it, but I don't think you can retire of the profit

**Miggs73** · 10-18-2011, 05:03 PM

O h my God you fellas know just about all. I really love this forum : )

**Copper Head** · 10-18-2011, 05:06 PM

I see some 'fiddle back' I best find a dry place to keep it .

" find a small saw mill and have it ripped into 4" wide strips, or contact a local wood workers group. They would love it, but I don't think you can retire of the profit " I'll try to see the cost of that

So 4" X ?
or 4" x 4" ?
-----------------------
I see E bay has BW stumps for $40 I also see this thread is on the search wile i was looking

**injunjoe** · 10-18-2011, 06:29 PM

I would not cut it up at all!

Being a solid nice sized hunk of wood gives the artist more choices to work with.

Look at bandsaw jewelry box photos you will see what I speak of.

Done right they are worth nice money, but it takes solid wood to make them. That stump would make several.

**tdean** · 10-18-2011, 06:47 PM

The problem with not cutting it up is that most likely it will split and check as it continues to dry. If you can saw it in 1/2 down the center with a chain saw that would work, or try to sell it as soon as possible. Another crafts person that might want it is a wood turner, who will want it to be in one piece, still fairly green so they can cut it up with a chainsaw and turn it on the lathe right away. Walnut develops nice color if it sits awhile, so maybe this piece is just getting better as it ages.