Drying Out Fresh Cut Burl Wood

[Big Man Dan]

If anyone has some knowledge about drying out fresh cut (burl) wood I'd greatly appreciate anything you could throw my way. I've had my eye on a maple tree here in Hutch that had some large "tumors" as I call them, the round bowl shaped oddities that grow on trees where some of the nicest burl wood comes from. Well driving to work today they were cutting her down & I stopped and gave the guy $10 bucks to saw off four tumors. Two about basket ball diameter and two about 18" in diameter. This is why I'm asking, in the past I bought some walnut burl wood that was green, fresh cut, and it cracked pretty bad. I sealed that wood up with a wax type sealant I bought from an exotic woods company and let it dry out in my basement. If you have any knowledge in this area and have time to reply I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!!!!, Dan.

[Bear_Blade]

Slow! the best is to leave it in a shed away from the elements, a little damp is ok. If you keep it in a heated enviroment, it will crack badly. I have had some and left it for 1 1/2 years, drying slowly with the bark on. Kiln drying will ruin it.

[sdcb27]

I let mine dry for a couple years in dry dark cabinet where temps and moisture isnt going to change drastically all at once. Cut into size blocks, Anchor seal the end grain and let it sit. You can buy moisture tester to let you know when its ready to go to stabilizer. When its down to below 6% (or as dry as I can get it) I send it off to K&G. If you have a lengthy spring/summer you can build a solar kiln cheap that works well.

[Big Man Dan]

Thanks to all for the information!! Dan.