Drying wood

[Brewmeister35]

I have a HUGE red oak tree in my back yard that was dropped when I built my house 2 years ago. I hadn't started playing with turning or any other woodworking at the time and in fact was only worried about building. I started turning in march and just recently realized I have a bit of a gold mine in my back yard. I checked and most of the wood is still solid. I cut one of the burls up on the bandsaw and it looks great . The wood is still wet and I don't quite know what to do with it to dry it properly. Should it be cut all the way down to pen and bowl blank size and 100% waxed or just cut it into manageable pieces and sticker it to dry?

Thanks,

David

 

[Rifleman1776]

First and of utmost importance, seal all the cut ends with Anchorseal or a similar product. Do cut into portions you can lift and handle by yourself. Downside, other than the burls, oak isn't really a good turning wood. It is highly desirable for flat work but not for turning. Do consider finding a sawmill and having it made into boards. Once done, stack with spacers (often called stickers) in a dry location and wait for it to dry.

 

[Brewmeister35]

Thanks Frank. The part of the tree that has the burls all over it is hollow. I have a TON of oak for flat work so this one was left for firewood. So if the burls have grain that run in every direction, do I seal all sides? That's what has me confused. Also, I have ordered wood off ebay and some of the reputable sellers there use parafin wax to seal the wood. Any opinion on that? I can't seem to find Anchor seal and the jug of wax emulsion sealer I got from woodcraft doesn't work that great.

 

[penhead]

Anchorseal is the best - in my opionion.

https://www.uccoatings.com/

 

[Gary Max]

The answer is yes---seal the whole thing.
The only thing I do not seal is the areas that have bark still on.
Anchorseal is by far the best route. The wood will still dry--- even sealed.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Originally posted by Brewmeister35
<br />Thanks Frank. The part of the tree that has the burls all over it is hollow. I have a TON of oak for flat work so this one was left for firewood. So if the burls have grain that run in every direction, do I seal all sides? That's what has me confused. Also, I have ordered wood off ebay and some of the reputable sellers there use parafin wax to seal the wood. Any opinion on that? I can't seem to find Anchor seal and the jug of wax emulsion sealer I got from woodcraft doesn't work that great.

Burls are all different. I have many that are solid and turn well without stabilizing. Others will fall apart if you look at the cross-eyed and must be stabilized. After they dry, you will have to make that decision.