how to stop cracking?

[neon007]

I ran across som beautiful cherry wood from a friend that cut up a fallen tree due to a storm. How do I keep it from cracking while it dries? Whats the fastest way to dry it? I am going to make bowls out of it. What size should I cut it up in? The branch is about 7-8 inches in diameter. Thanks.

 

[GaryMGg]

Hey Keith, long time no see.
There are numerous ways to reduce cracking, checking and the like.
Consider green rough turning to a point then storing in a brown paper bag in it's own shavings.

 

[pensbydesign]

cut it half to relive the stress along the pith and use ancherseal until you get a chance to turn it

 

[LandfillLumber]

I would seal the ends a and leave it,then just cut a piece of as you want to turn it.You will have to cut a few inches off to get to solid wood but then you just reseal that end you cut from.8-9" is not going to check on you a great deal,cherry holds up pretty well.Oh a huge thing you need to do id store the wood/log in the shade this is a major thing in the summer months.Good luck,Victor