Drying Plum wood

[Jeff]

I have been given a Plum tree cut into about 6 foot lengths and up to about 8" diameter. I have turned this wood before and know that it needs to be well dried out or it will move a lot. My question is: What is the best way to handle it? Should I leave it in logs and paint the ends? Should I quarter it and cover it with sawdust (that works great for Holly). Should I send it directly to the kiln? Or.....

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"Turning wood into treasures"

[ubeaut]

Best bet for plum that I have found is to slab it into 3 pieces a centre piece and 2 wane edge pieces. Seal the ends with wax.
http://www.ubeaut.com.au/plum.jpg
By doing this you relieve a lot if the pressure on the timer and it won't be as prone to splitting. It may distort a little in the drying. Sealing the ends only allows the timber to dry out slowly through the long grain.

This is what I have found to work well for me. The other option is to turn it green and let it distort, then come back to it later and turn a flat base onto it.

Hope this helps

[Jeff]

i will try both...the joy of having the whole tree!

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"Turning wood into treasures"