Marine ply rifle stock

[tactice]

I have some offcuts of 1" thick marine ply that have got me wondering about a DIY rifle stock.

I know it'll stand up to the weather as is but don't know much about the layering.

If I sand and stick 2-3 sheets together to get it thick enough for a stock, then carve/sand it down to a rifle profile, is the removal of the outer layers opening it up to moisture and problem?

Or would it be right?

[on_one_wheel]

It's my understanding that marine plywood is more resistant to weathering because of the glue used to bond the sheets together not some special treatment to the outside layers.

If you do your homework on LVL ( laminate veneer lumber ) you might find something that already has the correct thicknesses and perhaps even weather resistant like marine plywood.

[Lorgar]

It's my understanding that marine plywood is more resistant to weathering because of the glue used to bond the sheets together not some special treatment to the outside layers.

Ditto.

Not as refined as making a nice stock but... I, not too long ago, made my dogs kennel out of marine ply. Panels all cut to size 'exposing' lengths of the internal timber.

It's held up fine for 7-8 months so far with no sign of degradation. Rain, hail and shine.

[Chronos]

Are you sure it's marine ply or is it just exterior grade ply?

There are many different grades of timber used but the stuff about adhesives is urban myth. The same glue is used on almost all plywood and care should be taken when cutting and sanding it because it may contain carcinogens ( look at the MSDS for this "Bond: Type “A” (Phenol Formaldehyde)"

Usually true marine ply uses hoop pine of hardwoods such as mahogany or cedar.

It's more expensive and performs better because the higher grade of veneers used eliminated core gaps that weaken the ply and can allow water to penetrate the untreated core of the wood

In reality probably any ply would suffice as long as you use the correct glues and avoid surface finishes that weaken the adhesives used in the laminating process

Chronos

[DaleH]

I say go for it. Marine ply would work well.

I made one recently for may daughter out of cheap ply as I was intending to paint it anyway. Worked out well - She loves it and it was good "man therapy" making it.

Three layers of 1" pluy should be more than enough and will give you plenty of scope to shape what you want. As Chronos says, make sure you use the right PPE to protect against exposure to potential nasties and make sure your proposed surface finish will not adversely effect the adhesives.

[tactice]

Are you sure it's marine ply or is it just exterior grade ply?

To the best of my knowledge it is in fact "Marine Ply".

I'm not home, but would have to look at it tonight to get an exact brand and product to check against.

I'll do that then.

[Tiiger]

In reality probably any ply would suffice as long as you use the correct glues and avoid surface finishes that weaken the adhesives used in the laminating process

And what you're using it for too tactice.

The demands of going from your safe to the gun range in a bag aren't taxing.

If you were doing an all-weather rifle though and expecting frequent moisture/rain to hit it then it's something that would warrant more attention to get the choice of material right.

If we're not talking about the latter I'd say Chronos would be right and it would be fine.

[tactice]

Are you sure it's marine ply or is it just exterior grade ply?

Ok these are the claims for the ply...

Hardwood Plywood with "A" grade face and back and marine grade bond. Excellent veneer quality makes this product ideal for staining and painting. Marine bond will not deteriorate due to moisture exposure. Excellent strength and stiffness..

• "A" grade face and back
• Marine strength bond
• Full hardwood construction
• Excellent strength and stiffness
• Timber species: Mixed hardwood

[tactice]

I made one recently for may daughter out of cheap ply as I was intending to paint it anyway. Worked out well

Any chance of a pic?

[6mmdasher]

I have been making F Class rifle stocks for the past 7 years or so.

The only problem I have found is the it is very hard to finish without pinholes because of the open pores in the timber used in the laminates.

I'm using imported marine ply as it is around half the cost of Australian product, I can suppy photos to anyone who is interested.

Cheers. Merry Christmas.

[Monty]

Post the photos here mate.

If they're large or many email them and I can upload them instead if that's easier.

mail at enoughgun dot com

[tactice]

Yeah photos would be good.

Cheers.

[Aster]

I can suppy photos to anyone who is interested.

thistle-road-and-omark-photos-003.JPG (31.6 KiB) Viewed 8039 times

marine-ply-stock.JPG (31.62 KiB) Viewed 8039 times

marine-ply-rifle-stock.JPG (15.31 KiB) Viewed 8039 times

rifle-stock.JPG (14.84 KiB) Viewed 8039 times

ply-rifle-stock.JPG (13.23 KiB) Viewed 8039 times

[Aster]

There you go mate, photos uploaded to a post for you.

[veep]

Love the blue tiger pattern looking one.

[Noisydad]

I made a stock for my old Mossberg bolt action 12g 20 years ago from ordinary ply glued together with fibreglass resin and coated with it when the job was finished. It's still going strong.

[DaleH]

Tactice,
sorry for the late reply. Finished stock for daughter (please note) is attached

finished stock 2.jpg (343.42 KiB) Viewed 7813 times

[anthillinside]

Now thats cute

[Arth]

Good stuff 6mmdasher

[tactice]

Tactice,
sorry for the late reply. Finished stock for daughter (please note) is attached

Nice one mate.

I'm sure "your daughter" loves shooting it.

(Your secret is safe with me )

[DaleH]

She loves it and loves taking the piss out of the club captain who is adverse to pink guns. the love heart thumbhole and diamante edged barrel really set him off.

[Vati]

Even got the glitter in there and everything.

No expense spared

[Khan]

They can't all be Tacticool SWAT team looking rifles.

Great rifle for your daughter if that's what she wants, and why not.

[Slixxor]

Duplicate

[Slixxor]

Heres a pic of my homemade stock for my Savage Classic MKII .22. I'm using 'B' grade maple hardwood ply sourced from a local supplier on the Gold Coast here. The overall design suits my size and style of shooting. It has balanced the weight perfectly above the trigger allowing it to get on target faster and the reduce crosshair hunt.

The bedding is made of selleys kneadIT steel then machined using a dremel. It makes for a solid engagement on the action and when firing.

heres a pic of the almost finished surface. mostly made using a dremel, grinder flap discs and sand paper. template can be provided if anyones interested

let me know what you think!

[twoforty]

So far so good

Shot it yet?

[inervate]

Go the Dremel

[DaleH]

Looks good

[Korkt]

If I sand and stick 2-3 sheets together to get it thick enough for a stock, then carve/sand it down to a rifle profile, is the removal of the outer layers opening it up to moisture and problem?

Nothing a coat of paint or clear coat wouldn't solve if you're after peace of mind.

[Slixxor]

Will post some pics up at the range. made some minor adjustments to the hand grip so it was a better "fit". Next is the Tikka varmint.308.. should be fine keeping the veneering together.