Lumber least likely to check and methods to prevent checking

[Richard Burstell]

A local artist/sculptor/woodworker is looking for advice on what species checks the least for a project he is working on. He also wonders whether there are any methods to prevent bark from falling off a short bolt. In other words, is there a way to preserve a 12 inch long, 8" diameter bolt so that it remains intact when used as part of a sculpture. I admit, it's an odd question.

[Megan Offner]

To address part of your question - I've heard that trees harvested in the winter are less likely to loose their bark than those cut during other times of year, so if the wood that you're working with was recently cut you're already a step closer to success. Hope that's helpful!

[Richard Burstell]

Thanks Megan.

[robert dalbo]

trees cut during the winter have less moisture, so the bark should stay on. However even an 8'' diameter log will probably split somewhat. I cut most of my wood in the winter, saw them into sections, saw them in half and seal the ends. A majority of the time these pieces will not check, but I'm using these for turning, that is why they are cut in half. You might have to experiment,seal the ends and wait for it to dry. I have had success with maples not splitting even when I fail to cut the log in the middle and one side contains the pith.

[Richard Burstell]

Thanks for the help!

[Thomas Wilson]

USDA has a handbook, "Wood as an Engineering Material".  I believe the answer you're looking for would be in here. 

http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/products/publications/several_pubs.php?gro...

[Richard Burstell]

Thanks for the useful link.