fallen maple

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:47 pm     Post subject: fallen maple

A (four foot diameter) Maple sapling recently fell in the backyard. The tree service agreed to cut a couple of slices. Any thoughts on thickness, seasoning or finishing for use as a clock?

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:48 pm     Post subject:

Try and have the boards sliced about an inch thick and let it air dry for about a year. You can mill the wood to any thickness once you have air dried the lumber. You can put whatever finish you would like after that. Brian

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:49 pm     Post subject:

Brian, Thanks. Four slices were cut about 3 inches thick; two 46" and two about 18". Maple weighs about 45 pounds per cubic foot wet. There were acouple of pounds in that tree!

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:49 pm     Post subject:

need to seal ends so that it will not crack for drying to fast, seal with tow coats of latex paint! space beteen each broad.

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:49 pm     Post subject:

I've used wax to seal the ends in the past, and its worked very well. I've even done this on large blocks (such as the one I plan to make a clock out of) I just coated the ends and then let the wood sit, it is a good idea to use a moisture meter before working with it to ensure there is not wood movement. J