A 3-3.5 ft diameter pecan tree that my great grandpa planted fell over in front of my grandpa’s house and I was thinking about making a clock or sign for my shop out of some of the large diameter pieces near the base. What can I do to minimize cracking and the bark peeling off?

3 ...

Report Post

Posted by LeeKeyrear

Member since Apr 2021

24 posts

Posted on 8/31/21 at 2:05 pm to sleepytime

It’s a cookie slice ?

2 ...

Report Post

Posted by Diablo

Member since Jan 2019

22 posts

Posted on 8/31/21 at 5:44 pm to LeeKeyrear

Only a very controlled kiln climate can limit the cracking. Your solution is to fill cracks with epoxy.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by bbvdd

Memphis, TN

Member since Jun 2009

24905 posts

Posted on 8/31/21 at 9:33 pm to sleepytime

That’s gonna be heavy.

ETA: You’ll likely need to cut thicker (like 3-4 times or more) than you will want and let it dry for a while and the mill it.

This post was edited on 8/31/21 at 9:35 pm

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by ChEgrad

Member since Nov 2012

3254 posts

Posted on 9/1/21 at 12:42 am to sleepytime

Internet lists soaking in PEG or alcohol to minimize cracking. But it is likely going to crack. Also, cutting on a diagonal to make an oval is supposed to result in a more stable piece.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by sleepytime

Member since Feb 2014

3564 posts

Posted on 9/1/21 at 12:46 am to LeeKeyrear

quote:
It’s a cookie slice ?

Yes

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by LeeKeyrear

Member since Apr 2021

24 posts

Posted on 9/1/21 at 5:09 am to sleepytime

You need really need to let it dry before using it and that will take at least a year depending on thickness. The key to that is sealing it as best you can with anchor seal or latex paint. Just paint both faces nice and thick. But If you really wanted to work with it now, your only option is to seal it as best you can with a polyurethane type finish to seal the end grain and slow the drying process. Even then there will be no guarantees.

Page 1