fresh cut maple

[weithman5]

my neighbor had a large branch of maple break during a recent storm.  the largest part of course was split. but from there i have a 2 foot 8 inch diameter chunk and many other pieces ranging from 2- 4 inch ish by anywhere form 2 foot to 10 foot sections. I have no idea what i would do with any at this point. my real question is how to preserve it/store it. maybe for future small turnings etc. any ideas?

 

thanks

 

Don

[Andrew Pritchard]

Is this from a limb, or part of the main trunk?

[Indy Cindy]

For turning: Seal the cut ends with Anchorseal, it is put it on like paint. Keep the wood as long as practical, the cracking/splitting will occur at the ends and the fewer ends you have the better. Keep it out of the sun and wind. If you have to store it outside put a tarp over it and put it in a shady spot. It can all be stacked together, you don't really want much space between the pieces because for turning you want green wood and don't want it to dry out like firewood.

[weithman5]

it is from a limb.  

 

thanks cindy.  

[RPCV_Woodworker]

Just to forestall the comments that are coming:

 

People discourage use of limb wood because it is reaction wood (varying cell densities caused by growing out of vertical lead to stresses and warping).

However, if you know what you're working with, and plan accordingly, you can use the natural warping that will occur to counteract gravity stresses, sag, etc.  Just be aware of how the wood will want to move and plan accordingly! 

[Rick A McQuay]

Cut down the center through the the pith to minimize checking.

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