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wrote:
On Sep 11, 8:57 pm, mountaintop wrote:
I have a very large old chestnut oak tree that is very close to being
dead. It's close to three in diameter at the base. I can either let it
fall this winter or cut it up if it's any good to turn. I know white
and red oak split like crazy in the drying phase.
Thanks

Agree mostly with Ted here, but like to add that it is important to
start out with a blank that has no splits or checks in it already, not
easily seen, but taking a very thin slice off the end of the blank and
then carefully bending that, it will show if any splits are present,
the other thing that is important IMO, is to start and finish the
project in one go, don't let it sit without covering it, even while
just going for a coffee, drink, supper, etc., turning it in cooler
weather also helps to prevent the start of checks/splits.
I have good luck with drying in a brown paper bags (craft paper) and
I'm not saying I never had one split, but yes very few, I keep that
bag at a cool draft-free spot, and check it a few times the first week
or two, might have to wipe off some mold if the weather is humid, but
that is what works for me.

I don't know specifically about chestnut oak, as I have never turned
it. I have noticed however, while turning other oaks that the sapwood
tends to check much more than the heartwood. Since you have a large
tree, you may want to remove the sapwood.

Mike