How to prep and dry wood?

[rfreeouf]

I am fairly new to this hobby. I have a question what is the best way to prep and dry wood. I have serveral peices of wood my father has picked up for me and I woul like to prep it and let it dry.

I guess the next question that follows is how do you tell when it is ready to turn?

If someone could point me to some referrence material, articles or just provide some advice it would be much appreciated.

Thanks in Advance!

 

[Doghouse]

Coat the ends with wax or paint. Then if the wood is in board or blank form, put spacers between each layer, and align your spacers. Put weight on top and let it dry. If logs, cut out the pith, wax, peel the bark, stack to dry. I like to peel the bark as it is the home for bugs and I don't like bringing them in.