Confused about drying blanks

[Harrygary]

Hi , getting a little confused about how long you should dry your logs/ blanks for I have been given some apple logs and they are about 3 years old I know they are ok to turn but do logs / blanks rot I have some fresh ash and pear which I have sealed but when can I turn them many thanks

 

[Woodmonkey]

You can reckon on a year per inch thickness to air dry timber. It won't rot as long as long as its in the dry. Don't forget you can turn it green, you don't have to season it. It may move a bit as it drys but that can add to the character, or part turn it so it will dry much quicker then true it up again once its seasoned.

 

[CHJ]

Hi , getting a little confused about how long you should dry your logs/ blanks for I have been given some apple logs and they are about 3 years old I know they are ok to turn but do logs / blanks rot I have some fresh ash and pear which I have sealed but when can I turn them many thanks

Best thing is to get a cheap moisture meter, it will give you an accurate enough reading to avoid most splitting risks.

I take it you have read the Notes on storing green wood in the help sticky at the top of the forum.

If you rough turn pieces green, although some folks get away with just leaving it on a shelf a lot depends upon local shed or store conditions and it's safer to wrap the outers whilst they are drying.

Find somewhere to stow them for two to three weeks, I start checking moisture and weight after about 18 days when they are usually below 12% and if they show no loss during the next 3-4 days I take wrapping off.

But It may take months dependant on wood type and storage location.

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

Also, just to add to the confusion, wood is organic and will absorb some moisture. If you dry a piece indoors then take it back outside to a damp workshop, the timber will adjust to the atmosphere. If I dry anything or buy ready-dried blanks, I always try to give it 24 hours in the shed before doing anything with it.
I don't bother too much about movement in work though. It really only becomes an issue for me with boxes etc. where the lid might stick on.
It's an inexact science unfortunately

 

[gregmcateer]

Oh and remember not all Missus' are as patient as Chas's - Very few will let you stack them all over the kitchen cupboards, etc :wink: