split wood, whats the cause? too quick drying?

[Homerjh]

hi all, quick question.

Made a tealight holder from a branch, and after a few days inside it has got wood splits in it.

Now not too fussed, but just curious, was it drying on the radiator or just what some wood does?

 

[bugbear]

How did you get the branch? Did you just cut it off the tree, and then make the holder?

BugBear

 

[nev]

Wood drying can/will split naturally
Wood drying too quickly will definitely split
Wood drying on a radiator will definitely split
Wood dries 'naturally' about an inch or so thickness a year
and to top it off...
wood, even when it is dry it can still split when you remove some of the wood as you are releasing the fibres that hold it all together.

Search for 'seasoning' wood - general rule is seal freshly cut log ends immediately and store sensibly, go back a year or two later, or turn to rough shape, leave about an inch even thickness, wrap and store and go back in a year. or turn it green and enjoy natures distortions.

 

[Homerjh]

BugBear - was off a cut tree, about 2-3 weeks cut before i acquired it

Nev - Pah, not waiting that long, it isnt anything special so not that concerned, will just tell whomever receives it that it is a ;feature' of how the item was produced