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Slavia · Moderator

Does anyone have experience with inletting stocks? By that I mean starting from scratch - with an unformed chunk of wood. Is there a magic technique, or is it a matter of a finger plane, lampblack, and patience like 150 years ago?

And how does one set up to bore those canted mounting screw holes?

I have a table saw, a router+table, and a radial arm drill press. I also have lots of patience. Any suggestions?

23ib0d0n · Moderator

Building one with patience is usually the best idea with figured woods to avoid warping, checking or twisting. Straight grained woods are easier to 'machine' without internal stress causing problems. Always watch out for tiny knots though, because they can create some really problematic issues when internal stress 'normalizes' after being cut . . .

Slavia · Moderator

I know what you mean - I've heard it called "reaction wood."

Some years ago I had access to very heavy pallets (to ship 10 ton steel sheet metal coils). Oak, maple, and cherry. But it was as you say - disturb the internal stresses and they would warp, split, and twist. Good for making small toys, but not much else.