Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Oct 07, 2009 03:06pm | #1

   If the branches the legs were made from have been sitting on the ground fully exposed to the weather they are basically still green and will lose quite a bit of moisture, so some shrinkage and splitting is likely to occur.

   Also branches usually have a lot of reaction wood in them. In reaction wood the grain and growth rings aren't symmetrical throughout the branch because the branch had to resist bending forces as it grew out horizontally from the main trunk. Reaction wood can warp very badly as it dries and generally should be avoided. If the branches were also curved, but large enough to cut the straight legs out of, the chances are higher that there will be some significant warpage as moisture is lost.

   I'm not saying you will definitely have major problems with the wood, but you should expect some changes as the wood dries out. The best thing to do would be to seal the end grain and sticker the wood in your shop or a heated area for a few months to see what happens as the wood dries out. To fully dry the 4x4's out will probably take six months to a year.

   John White
   Shop Manager for FWW Magazine, 1998 to 2007
2. 
   joinerswork | Oct 07, 2009 08:33pm | #2

   paul,

   If the heart  is boxed, that is, if the center (pith) of the limb is somewhere inside the square you worked, you can expect the square to split along its length from at least one face in to the heart, as the stock dries.

   Ray

1. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 07, 2009 08:41pm | #3

   That would really pith me off, if the 4x4s were already part of a bench. ;-)

1. 
   paulray | Oct 07, 2009 11:53pm | #4

   thanks for the information thus far. i actually mis-typed by using the word "limb". these pieces i retrieved from the woods were actually slender trees that i had felled but not brought to the mill b/c they were on the small side, maybe 7-8" in diameter.i still do expect the possiblity of the once logs now 4x4 posts to twist on me but i suppose i am am hopeful that the trunk wood will save me.the ends are painted and drying out in the shop. we'll see what happens. i sure hope that they stay intact b/c i would really like to use this wood for my bench. i am emotionally attached! :~)

2. 
   joinerswork | Oct 08, 2009 04:26pm | #5

   Ralph,

   Well, ith alwayth better to be pithed off than pithed on.

   Ray

1. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 08, 2009 05:14pm | #6

   Twue, which is also how I hope Paul's 4x4s remain. ;-)

1. 
   paulray | Oct 08, 2009 10:29pm | #7

   so far the pithing off situation has not occurred. this wood has not changed at all since i milled it. granted, the milling was only 3- 4 days ago. (don't laugh too hard at me) as far as the pithed on, pithed off debate. well, i am an RN and i can attest to both situations. i think pithed off is better than on.

2. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Oct 11, 2009 06:19am | #8

   Ray,

   Hah.  That was pither man.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   paulray | Oct 11, 2009 07:58pm | #9

   i pulled out 2 more logs from the woods yeesterday (they were on 4x4's and off the ground) and made 2 more 4x4 legs. the came out great. looks like i'll be able to build the bench base out of solid walnut with sled feet.

   looking forward to getting started...

    

   paul

3. 
   pzaxtl | Oct 12, 2009 08:46am | #10

   It is highly unlikely that 4x timber cut a year ago and air dried will be anywhere close to dry, not unless you live in an extremely arid region like Arizona.  Tennessee is anything but.

   You can build it but I think you'll have problems with wood movement later on.

    

   ♫ If you’re OCD and you know it wash your hands ♫