Recently I completed my first Ak build.  It turned out pretty good.  I used a Tapco folding stock set.  It was the cheapest thing at the time.  It seems to work okay, but I'm not overly impressed with it.  It also looks a little goofy to me.  I would like to use something else on the next one if it doesn't cost too much.  The parts must be U.S. compliant for this build, so that has eliminated a lot of what I've found.

If I want to go with a folding stock, is there a cost effective alternative to the Tapco stock?

I've looked all over for fixed plastic stocks and it looks like the only practical option is the K-Var.  Any opinions on this?  

I'm really having trouble finding U.S. made wood parts.  The only source I found was Ironwood Designs.  Their products look good on their website.  Any opinions about these?  The walnut looks appealing.  Would it be taboo to put walnut on an AK?

I actually considered trying to build my own wood parts.  To be worth the trouble it would have to cost very little.  I've found a source of walnut and birch near home, but have discovered it will cost quite a bit for what I would need.   The biggest problem is I have to have excess for probable mistakes.  The geomtry of the stock does not look too complex to me.  I haven't actually done this before but am confident it can be done.  If it doesn't work, I don't want to be out of much.  Poplar is available locally pretty cheap.  Would this work or is it too soft and/or weak for such use?

If I use a U.S. made wood stock set and use the original Romanian metal stock parts such as the butt plate, sling swivel, etc., is it still U.S. Compliant?