Replies

1. 
   gulfstar | Apr 19, 2022 03:03pm | #1

   It will not dry as a log and if it ever does, after decades, it will likely be cracked . If you don’t mind the cracking you could turn it green oversized and set it to dry for a couple years and then finish turn to the final dimension. You could also cut it un 10 inches length and turn bowl that also should be set aside to dry before final turn or cut the log in squares , the larger you can get from a 10 inch log without the hearth would be 3 1/2 inches squares that can make nice table legs.

2. 
   _mj_ | Apr 19, 2022 05:32pm | #2

   You are less likely to have a bug issue if you remove the bark, and everything Gulfstar said is on point. If the log will fit on your lathe, turn it now... much easier to turn before it dries (and hardens). If you plan to turn something hollow remove the bulk of the interior to improve your odds of surviving the drying process.

3. 
   Rob_Sp | Apr 19, 2022 06:13pm | #3

   Cut it into rough lengths or shapes for the final pieces and seal the end grain. I use paraffin, never had much luck with anchor seal. Its easy to put too much on your plate when gathering wood and then having it go to ruin failing to do this right away.
   I do quite a few live edge bowls and weed pots with bark inclusions, so I keep the bark on much of the time.
   For live edge bowls and weed pots I turn green to finish shape and thickness, sand and set aside to dry. This doesn't take long with the thin wall thickness, and generally without checks. Many of my pieces contain the pith.
   For hollow forms, I do rough turn to shape, leaving just enough to finish turn when it is dry.
   Trying out something new: The Magnolia hollow form in the picture went from fresh cut limb to finished piece in under two weeks. Roughed turned, two short cycles through the microwave (not sure that was necessary), then buried in silica gel for about 4 days. It was dry as a bone when pulled out. Let it sit for a day or so then finished turned. The lid is a "vacuum" fit, it has been sitting in the house for a couple of weeks and no movement. Will be exploring this some more in the near future.
   Good luck with your turning.

   
4. 
   McFarlaneM | Apr 20, 2022 02:04am | #4

   I'd pack the bowl blanks in paper bags with their own shavings — a good way to allow them to continue to dry more slowly. Write the date on the bags and store them in a dry place out of the sun. After six months to a year, they'll be dry.

   mykohlscharge