Limiting cracks in logs

[jartzh]

I cut a slit with my chainsaw on the back of the piece right down to the pith. But I dont think it does anything at all. Some wood seems to split while others dont. Is there anthing besides cutting the log down the middle and let dry then plane and glue back togther?

[Eddy-Smiles]

I've found that depending on the diameter and the tree species, stripping off all of the bark when it's green so that the tree can dry out equally around its entire perimeter often helps prevent cracking.

[Colin-Partridge]

Try cutting the kerf on an angle you may find that it will follow the kerf and not crack as much. You can have a log that is not split at all and has been dried for a year, but when you start taking wood away it will crack. The only suggestion I have is to wet down the carving when you have finished for the day and put a plastic bad over it until you get back to it. Once the carving is finished put on your stain and seal it right away.
Colin

[sjbrian]

whenever i aquire a new log, i always seal the ends with anchorseal. i store them in a cool dry location. have'nt had too many split after this.

[twoclones]

I live in the dry, hot desert and if anything can crack, it will crack here. The best option for me is to position any existing cracks in the back, carve quickly and seal it immediately with Benite [or other log oil] followed a day later with spar varnish.

Choosing more stable wood species, like slower growing trees, helps too.

[foppiodan]

I have a huge piece of hackberry, absolutely beautiful piece of light colored wood. It's been sitting outside for two months (close to where it landed) and has some cracks forming in both ends of the log. I've got it off the ground on some landscaping timbers now.

I leveled off one side of it this weekend and left some blocks that will be rounded into support feet for the bottom. I went out today and noticed that small cracks are forming through the blocks.

Is there a way to get this hulking peice of wood to dry more slowly? Will that make any difference in how big the cracks are? I've noticed that when I put a plastic cover over it, there is a large amount of water that condensates on it, probably a cup or more per day. Unfortunately, I don't have a controlled environment where I can put the log. Are there other ways to control drying? Would a sealant help? If so, how does it effect carving? There will be more questions, I'm sure. Thanks for the help.

[hruukki]

Drying logs:
-seal the ends with latex paint or some such
-strip the bark but only halfway through, irregularly. That way the bark will still hold the log together and yet let enough water out.

These are traditional methods, they should work (sometimes nothing will, though). I don't know exactly how long to keep the log outside - at least a year if not more I guess. Some kind of cover (= light roof, not a plastic to cling to the wood) to prevent the log from soaking in the rain etc. Enough room to have the air circulating around it.

There's a book "Understanding Wood" that gives more detailed methods.