Walnut Stump Wood

[Dave Fritz]

I recently cut some of the roots off a walnut stump and cut it into blocks and pen blanks. The wood is really wet as it was cut in the winter so much of the sap is in the roots. Also I power washed it to get as much of the dirt and rocks out as possible before using the chain saw.

When I cut it up with the band saw I ran into pockets of soft wood and even some grubs.

I'm at a loss now to know if I should seal it as is or let it air dry a bit before doing anything. There is some mold already growing on the wood.

I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[odie]

Dave.......

You might want to rough out at least one bowl, but leave it extra thick. Anchorseal completely and keep a close eye on it.

Mildew is always a strong possibility with very high moisture content. This is why I say to leave it extra thick.......so, that gives you the option of returning it to the lathe and removing a layer without compromising the thickness you need for duration of seasoning time.......

That may give you an idea of what you can expect......but everything is guesswork until more clues are revealed.

ooc

 

[MichaelMouse]

Wax dip or paint the endgrain portions to help equalize the moisture loss and minimize end checks. Keep airflow up, but don't try to force drying. The white hairy mildew usually has little surface effect. It's that black/green stuff that spots in depth.

 

[Richard Coers]

You have to get to turning, and right now! Stump wood will develop lots of drying stresses. It doesn't like to dry evenly, and every root has a pith. I'm loosing easy drying wood right now since our "spring" weather is more like summer. We had several days over 90 recently, and some humidity days that were below 40%. Both of those will be really hard on fresh cut wood.

 

[john lucas]

I agree with MM. Seal the endgrain with endgrain sealer or parrafin wax and put it out of the weather somewhere. If it has bugs don't stack it with other wood. It will take quite a while to dry but the wax will keep it green long enough you can rough turn some of it. for the pen blanks, box blanks etc you want it dry so just put it up and weigh a few pieces. when they stop losing weight they are dry enough to work. Be patient. It will pay off in the long run.

 

[Ian Thorn]

I see some nice nut bowls as well as Odie said wet turn some now and soak them in 50/50 dishwash and water for about 2/3 weeks then place them in rack so the air can get at them you will find they will be dry in about 4weeks try it i do and get good results with very little movement and no cracks

 

[Dave Fritz]

Thank you for all your help. I have some work ahead of me that's for sure.

Dave F.