Best way to dry lilac branch

[cmiller]

Looking for blank-making advice: I recently got hold of a lilac branch (20" long x 3" around). It was cut down recently, so still green. The ends are starting to crack, so I waxed them. Question is, do I cut into slightly oversized blanks, then let it dry? Or let the whole branch dry first, then cut into blanks? I have high hopes for what's inside this thing, so hoping to minimize the cracking.

 

[1080Wayne]

3 inch diameter ? Fairly dense wood , so will take a long time to dry . How patient are you ?

 

[cmiller]

I'll try to be patient enough to do it the best way to prevent cracks. What are we looking at, three years?

 

[1080Wayne]

I'll try to be patient enough to do it the best way to prevent cracks. What are we looking at, three years?

Quite likely , but have never dried a piece that large . You mention that it had already started cracking when you waxed it . I would be tempted to sacrifice maybe 3 inches on each end , then re-wax immediately . Ideally , store in the dark in the coolest room you have . Monitor dryness by weight , not pin type meter . Save the cut off pieces , let them dry and finish cracking . The cracks should be fillable with CA or by casting . Some use fast drying techniques , but I have no experience with them .

 

[JohnU]

I've never had a piece of lilac not crack, and it's usually a slightly spiral crack very deep to the center of the limb. It is Beautiful wood.

 

[SabertoothBunny]

If the ends are sealed just put it in a corner and forget about it for 6-12 months. The cracking shouldn't get any worse than it is not but if you cut it down into small pieces you will get a lot more checking and cracking. I would leave it as is and come back to it when it is dry and ready to turn.