Need advice on drying basswood logs

[chipper67]

Hello,
A friend called and said they had a basswood tree on their property that had fallen about 4 years ago in a storm. They just decided to try and get rid of it. They were going to burn it. I hate the thought of free wood going to waste. He cut up some chunks of it for me. I have several more than what is shown in the picture. My question is if there is a best way to prepare it for later carving? Should I take the bark off? Should I leave it on? Should I seal the ends with something? If so, what product should I use. Should I try and cut each one down the middle? Should I try and cut a groove or knotch down the length of each one? Should I leave the logs in my garage or outside, ect., ect. I'm hoping to prevent too much checking but I just am not sure what the best procedure is. I would appreciate any advice on what you would do. Thanks,

Chipper67

[chipper67]

So, do you think I should remove the bark at the very least on these?

Chipper67

[Donsexton]

Remove the bark it will hide bugs and borers or at least in the deep dirty south it would. You say it’s been dead for over 4 years? That wood is cured by now and as far as (optimum moisture content) I have found most carvers worry way too much about that. Moisture content is very important for applying finishes but not for carving. Paraffin wax is the best way to seal wood for storing I heat mine in old coffee cans and apply it with a disposable paint brush.