wood slices

scubabob · 25th June 2006, 11:43 AM

i had to pick up a whole lot of wattle for a friend the other day who intends to use it as firewood. The tree was cut down recently. I snaffled 3 pieces of the trunk that are absolutely beautiful - heart shaped, black and white timbers that are just too nice to let go.

Now, short of being able to turn these pieces into something really nice, i want to make some plate coasters with them, you know, cut them into slices and coat them. I have only tried this a couple of times in the past with ghost gum branches and had trouble with them curling and splitting.

So, three questions for you -

1/ as the pieces are about 14" in diameter what is the best way to cut them evenly - i am reasonably handy with a chainsaw.......

2/ how do i dry them out without them curling and splitting?

3/ what's the best thing to coat them with?

**BobL** · 25th June 2006, 04:52 PM

Scube, surely you are going to let them dry out before you cut them otherwise they will ALL split?

I'd suggest painting the ends of the logs with acrylic paint and placing them somewhere not too hot or dry for 12 months and see which ones end up spliting.

Forget the chainsaw, to cut them up I would use a bandsaw.

Definitely-not-a-scuba-Bob (While my mates scuba I mind the boat, drink their beer and snooze)

**reeves** · 25th June 2006, 05:33 PM

ok i have dried some wattle, black wattle is it, as an acacia it will split if it wants to but make sure its

out of the weather,

a few methods
strip bark and seal the ends, let dry slow
rough turning banks and let dry
cut some turning sized blocks and plastic bag em...for a while then let dry slow..
cut a few thinnner test peices to observe for a few weeks..
try the microwave, slow bursts....on a test peice..
be patient...

rough turning and drying is a good way to get to know how the wood will respond...

good luck and post a pic mate..

cheeeeeeeeers
john

scubabob · 25th June 2006, 06:47 PM

thanks guys for the info. i will take your advice to heart and p aint the ends, strip the bark and leave them in the shed for a year or so. will let you know how its going then. Will post a pic of the logs in the pic section

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