Beech Tree Trunk

[Papa]

I have a small beech tree (about 5" caliper) that I have to take down this week to open up some sunlight for a new day lilly bed for my wife (it's also fighting with a maple tree about two feet away). I'd like to save the lower trunk to make my son a mallet set similar to the one ShopNotes had some years ago. My question is: how can I season the trunk without it developing radial cracks as it dries? I'd be interested in all the help I can get.

Thanks guys,
Warren

[crokett]

As soom as you cut it seal the ends with paint or there are products designed for this.

[Wood_workur]

if you do decide to use paint, use latex, as it seals the grain in fewer coats.

[blame]

you could also use bees wax

the paint method works well but wax works better IMHO

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[Ken Massingale]

I've used latex paint with good results. A while back I picked up some green wood sealer from Woodcraft, http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=769
It is working great. It looks like milk but when it 'dries', it is a thick clear wax coating. It may look a little pricey but a little goes a long way.

[Papa]

Beech Tree Trunk

Thanks for the info, guys.

I elected to use semigloss latex paint since I had some and LOML wanted the tree down today. The sections to be saved are all cut up and sealed, now.

I'm going to look for some beeswax, and I'll be in Northern Virginia later this week, so I'm going to get some of the Woodcraft stuff.

Now all I have to do is figure out how long to let it cure before turning it.

Thanks again,
Warren

[blame]

how much sap was in the tree? i usually let my green wood sit for about 3 months or you could use the paper bag method and check it every 4 weeks

make sure you use plenty of wood shavings around you pcs to be dried
takes anywhere from 4 weeks to 2 monthes to dry an 8 dia. pc depands on the time of year there cut and what speices it is

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