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[JK Lewis]

My first 4 clefts have been seasoning for a couple of weeks now, and 2 of them are splitting already. Not great. I know that the garage is probably not the best place for them, but I don't really have anywhere else at present, except for the loft which I think is probably a bit too warm.

Can anyone help with tips or tricks or seasoning? I have sealed the ends, but only with candle wax as I didn't have anything special. I have 2 further 'rounds', the logs from the bottom of the willow tree I cut up. I am wondering if it would be better to let the logs dry out as they are for a bit, rather than saw them into clefts now.

It could be that the clefts from the 2 top logs have split easily because the logs were thinner, and because the grains are very tight. Again, not sure, I am learning on-the-job!

All information and ideas welcomed. Thanks.

[Buzz]

@hell4leather cricket can you help with this please?

[runeshrenik]

Can anyone help with tips or tricks or seasoning? I have sealed the ends, but only with candle wax as I didn't have anything special. I have 2 further 'rounds', the logs from the bottom of the willow tree I cut up. I am wondering if it would be better to let the logs dry out as they are for a bit, rather than saw them into clefts now.

It could be that the clefts from the 2 top logs have split easily because the logs were thinner, and because the grains are very tight. Again, not sure, I am learning on-the-job!

All information and ideas welcomed. Thanks.

As I understand, (I am not experienced at all!) the 'rounds' as you call them, are dried first, and once dry, they are cut. Cracks will form, but these cracks determine where the clefts are cut from when cutting the clefts from the rounds.

There is a video on youtube somewhere, but I cant find it!

[JK Lewis]

Yeah, I am starting to think that I may have rushed in with my initial 2 rounds, and got them sawn to shape too quickly. But, I can use them as experiments, and learn from my mistakes! 

[hell4leather cricket]

You want to seal the ends with parrafin wax . What length have you cut them to? Also good airflow is essential or they will start staining /going mouldy due the moisture

[JK Lewis]

Thanks for the advice. Paraffin wax I can probably find, in time for the next sawing. I cut all 4 of the logs to 30 inch, so plenty of wiggle room. I'm hoping that the splits stop before reaching the critical areas, but I think the first 2 may be goners already. Live and learn!

[Seniorplayer]

Candle wax isn't the best as it fails to seal it also melts without a flame ideally you need to build somthing outside I have simple lean to construction for drying wood cheap plastic roof sheeting overlapped and fastened to each other to keep the underneath dry attached to battons attached to a wall and the other end attached to 3inch square posts about 8 feet high open at each end to allow for air flow. Wood is placed on a table to stop ground damp.

[Seniorplayer]

With regard  to your willow  splitting wouldn't be to concerned as it can be part of the drying process.

[Seniorplayer]

As part of your six week air drying process don't forget to remove the willow bark.