Apologies if wrong place for this question but new here and short of time to read what to do and not to do... i spend all year looking for wood of all descriptions for a couple of pensioners with open fires,by chance and some effort i have permission to collect and take home with me 15-20 branches that where cut from a BIG tree maybe 6 months ago..they range from 7 inches thick to 15, mostly around 10..i only have a gardening cart and i have a mile and half round trip to get them,some i have to cut with my battery powered chainsaw which is meant for garden branches as the last one i got 4 foot long and a foot thick took me three full battery charges to get through..now while chain sawing at home with a proper chainsaw at times with nice straight thick branches i found myself cutting half inch slices and thinking they will make nice home made cup/plate mats...and before i go too far i would like to know should i cut the slices now while the wood is moist and let it dry or do i let the branch/trunk dry out and cut then...its dead easy now to cut while moist but i have no idea what half inch slices will do as drying out..a lot of forums are american so your tree's will be different perhaps, i'm from the UK...also i fancy drying out a couple of thick ones 12-14 inches thick and trying my hand on them something less artistic then you guys, just a basic sewing box perhaps and would appreciate any links showing me what kind of carving tools i should be looking to buy...if you have not fallen asleep by now i appreciate you taking the time and ALL advice will be gratefully accepted.
Regards Keith
Regards Keith