Seasoning Wood Query

[Mantic]

Hi guys and gals.

We had to chop the mature cherry tree down outside our house and now I have a large pile of wood to burn. I'm thinking of saving some of the wood for knife handles. Any suggestions on seasoning, storing, etc?

 

[swyn]

If you can get the timber milled put sticks between each board to allow air to flow. Paint the ends of each board with white paint (preferably microporous)Place in a spot in your garden where the wind can blow around it and put a piece of tin over to keep the rain off. In approx two or three years it will be ready for use.
When you do come to think about using it bring the boards inside so they will finish drying. You will be surprised how much they will move!
Alternatively bring a piece inside and leave it in the kitchen for a couple of months and it may be useable sooner depending on it's size.
Cherry has a lot of sapwood which is no use. The heart wood is a fine timber and along with Sycamore and English Oak commands the best timber prices.
I hope this helps. Swyn
PS you may find as this had to come down there will only be rubbish timber just fit for the fire. With a black heart and rot.

 

[demographic]

As far as I remember you season it a year for each inch of thickness, might be wrong though.

 

[Mantic]

Thanks for the advice. The wood is solid, no rot and very healthy. I think I'll store some outside, and bring some in. I'll try both ways...

 

[Mad Mike]

If you can get the timber milled put sticks between each board to allow air to flow. Paint the ends of each board with white paint (preferably microporous).

What types of paint count as microporus
Nice cheap white viynal emulsion ?

 

[Tack]

Hi,
Yep, one year of seasoning for every inch thickness. This is a rule of thumb and it depends on how much sap there was in the tree when it was felled. There is more sap in a tree in the Spring than in Winter for obvious reasons.
You don't have to use microporous paint, instead buy some knotting solution from a DIY store and smear this on the end grain.
Tack

 

[Mantic]

Nice ideas. I was going to slap some paint on but still haven't got round to it.