wood gloat and question

[truckerdave]

I managed to rescue a good size of chestnut from a house and a barn that was being torn down. Further investigation revealed the house and barn were built in 1875! For thoses that are not really good at math like me, that is 135 years old! I bet a dozen krispy kreme donuts that some of the wood from those buildings is over 200 years old.
Has anyone ever worked with chestnut that old? It is an extremely good condition, dry and solid.
Any special precautions i should take?
I am really eager to see what turns out with this wood.

 

[Glenn McCullough]

I have turned chest nut before and found it to be fine turning with the grain but splinters cross grain. It turns fine, just more sandig is needed on the end grain. Nice find and good luck.

 

[tim self]

As said, with age it gets "drier". Turn proud and stablize with CA often. That will prevent a big chip out. Some of it has some amazing grain. I'm proud of you for such a snag! Certainly none of it in Oklahoma.