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Thread: Drying branches/round pieces
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11th January 2010, 11:50 AM #1
Drying branches/round pieces
I've got this tree (attached) out the front that is going to come down eventually due to it being half dead, pretty ratty and encroaching on the driveway, and I'd like to use some of the branches for tea light candle holders and the like.
Basically the holders are pieces of the branch between 50mm and 150mm long with a roughtly 20mm deep hole drilled in one end with a forstner bit to hold the candle in its foil/glass tray.
Should I dry the whole branch before cutting or, make the pieces slightly over length for trimming later or, make them exact length, all before drying? And is there a particular way they should be treated, stacked and whatever, to stop the ends splitting while drying and well after the final pieces have been made?
And just out of interest, does anyone know what species the tree is? Just so I can say "these are made from X, isn't that dandy". If it's worth it I might also take some little slabs from the trunk (if it's viable) for some smallish boxes (ie pencil cases).
Cheers
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12th January 2010, 08:34 PM #2
cut the pieces at least 50mm overlength and paint the ends thoroughly with flat plastic paint, or use something similar which is readily available. You could even use wax if you really wanted too but paint is easy, then stack the pieces away from the weather for a period of at least 6 months preferably at least 12. seal the ends as soon as possible after cutting.
When you want to use them trim the painted ends do your desired working and then seal using a good quality timber sealant or burnish with bees wax. You will find that you need to seal the end grain even after the timber has been seasoned as it will still probably split. I believe that some of the U-Beaut products should be suitable for the purpose. maybe one of the guys in the turning forum could recommend something to suit your desired finish.
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