Custom rare-wood AK stock set?

[Guest mrl4ng]

My WASR-10 has recently developed a hairline crack in the wooden hand-guard attached to the top of the gas tube. I had been considering building my own custom wood stock set for awhile, but hadn't been really motovated until the development of said crack.

So. To begin this project, I guess I have a couple questions:

1. Its possible Im entirely missing something, but is the wood surrounding the upper portion of the gas tube easily removed?

2. Other than overall length and US-Parts count, Legally speaking, is there anything I need to be aware of when constructing a new stock set?

My father is a big member of the Knoxville wood-turner's guild, so he has access to a variety of gorgeous rare hardwoods and specialty tools we would need to do the job RIGHT. Is there anything I need to keep in mind in the wood selection process? I would imagine I would have to use some kind of laminate coating for heat resistance?

Thanks in advance.

[Urse]

Disassembly instructions:

http://www.ak-47.net/ak47/comp/

Kick ass replacement handguards:

http://ironwooddesigns.com/2aprod/1zAKproduct.html

Great reference site:

http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB2/index.php

Good Luck Comrade.....

[Westwindmike]

The upper handguard is easy to remove. Take the gas tube off the rifle, grasp the wood firmly and rotate the gas tube. That will turn the wood upside down and fall into your hand. If it won't rotate easily, put a wrench on the "square" end of the gas tube and rotate.