Re: MtMan-List: something different

["Kirk Morrison" <captkirk@cpcug.org>]

On  6 Apr 97 at 19:09, Bill Metcalfe wrote:

> NaugaMok@aol.com wrote:
> > 
> > In a message dated 97-04-05 11:05:34 EST, you write:
> > 
> > << Hickory is excellent - but - if max heat is what you want Osage Orange
> >  (hedge apple, &c.) burns the hottest.  Best to burn in a closed stove as it
> >  pops hot coals all over the place.
> >   >>
> > That's a fact!!  We had a neighbor that heated with "hedge" as we called it &
> > he claimed it was hotter than coal.  His furnace thought so too because the
> > fire grates would burn out every 5 - 7 years.  The furnace had a 10 yr
> > guarantee on the fire grates when used with coal, so he always got free
> > replacements.  One down side to osage orange heating, it stained his roof --

<snip snip snip>

> The heat generated by the pad brings
> > the oils & waxes to the surface & leaves a realy nice finish that'll hold a
> > long time indoors.  I've often thought it'd make a pretty gun stock, but it's
> > a bit tough to work by hand.  It does make excelent flooring -- wears like
> > iron & periodic buffing brings back the natural finish.
> > NM
> 
> Osage Orange is also known as Boisdarc in the Souhern states. It is
> used  mainly for fence posts, floor sills in wood buildings and sheds
> where there is contact with the ground and moisture. Also was used in
> some furniture and as support piers where houses were built off the
> ground.
> 

I have made 2 stocks using all Osage and a few using some as trim.   It 
really looks great but unless I was really hurting for Money I would 
never make a whole stock again....to hard to work, wore out some 
chisels but it gave a  unique Krag and a unique PA styled rifle.