Problems drying wood

[Ph34r]

I want to dry some wood, so that i can use it for the handle in my new knife project.

The only problem is that the wood keeps on cracking. I have tried hairdrying it - which i expected to crack the wood - and i tried slowly drying it on my workbench. It cracked the second time, which i was a bit supprised about.

Anybody got any ideas what I can do to dry the wood successfully?

Thanks,
Ph34r

 

[sasquatch]

I've left a load outside in a box for months at a time, then moved it into a shed for a few more then moved it inside with success. When I haven't been very patient and brought it in too soon it usually cracks. If the piece was big enough I worked round the split with no further problems. Not sure if there's a quick fix, if there is I hope someone shares it!!!

 

[SouthernCross]

G'day Ph

....Anybody got any ideas what I can do to dry the wood successfully?

Try leaving the bark on, seal both ends with wax and let it dry real slow in a cool place.



Kind regards
Mick

 

[wattsy]

you can take the bark off as long as you seal the ends, either with wax or pva glue

 

[MrEd]

you can also wrap small bits in a paper bag, i just leave mine outside to dry in a sheltered spot, a large piece of wood could take some months to dry out completely though so for a small bit i would try the paper bag in a cool dark cupboard trick for a few weeks

 

[Ph34r]

Cheers guys, really helpful.

What size is a 'small bit'?

 

[addo]

If you get a log a few times larger than you need, split in half or quarters, which will take some tension out of it. Dry outside under cover with plenty of air around, for a few of the warmer months and you can start to use it normally after that.

 

[MrEd]

Cheers guys, really helpful.

What size is a 'small bit'?

the sort of size to make a normal spoon or kuksa out of

 

[Ryecroft]

How thick is the wood?

Is it in boards/planks or blocks, log for etc.

If in plank / board / slab form you need to allow roughly 1 year slow seasoning per inch of thickness. You can also seal ends with emulsion and keep topping up the emulsion if it cracks.