I recently had to cut down several 30 foot tall River Birch. I have cut the logs into 24-36 inch long chunks. I would like to preserve the wood for using on woodworking projects after it has dried. I have AnchorSeal which I have used on some black cherry wood to prevent checking.
My understanding is that birch is more problematic than the cherry because of the natural water impermeability of birch bark. Do I need to strip the bark off of the wood before air drying for several years?
I do not want to drill a hole down the middle as some on the net suggest as that would limit the type of projects that could be made with the wood. Any advice is appreciated.
Replies
Cut the log sections down the middle, length ways. You want to get rid of the pith, or center, of the log. The wood will crack tangentially from the pith. Then coat the endgrain with AnchorSeal.
In addition to what Shep said, you must remove the bark. If you leave a birch log whole, with the bark on, you will end up with a hollow birch bark tube. It will absolutely rot under the bark.
So is it a must that I split the wood?
How about the 3-4 inch diameter stuff - if I just strip the bark will it still rot from the inside out?
The object is to have birch for some small woodworking and turning projects.
You might be able to get away with leaving those smaller diameter pieces intact, but I'd remove the bark and seal the endgrain anyway. If your going to turn some of it, turn it green, and let it move. I've made some interesting pieces that way
It won't rot if you debark it. But if you leave a piece whole, with the pith, it's almost certain to split as it dries.
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