I have a pile of logs that were cut down about 10-15 years ago when some land was cleared. They were left on my property due to a legal issue after the clearing was done. I'm curious if these logs are still usable for carving or making small furniture. I've heard from someone that they might burn too fast for firewood, but I'm wondering if that also means they're not good for carpentry. Is there a downside to using old logs like these?
3 Answers
A solid rule is to leave logs in a dry, well-ventilated area for a year per inch of thickness they have. Treating the ends with white paint or wax can also help prevent cracking. If your logs are small, many folks carve them while still green, which makes the wood softer and easier to work with. Just be careful, as improper drying can lead to cracks down the line. If they haven't been sitting out in the rain and are free of rot, you should be fine! You might even want to get a moisture meter to really check.
Some wood species, like oak, can take decades to dry properly. So your old logs might actually be super dry, which means they could be harder to work with. If you're okay with a bit of extra hardness, you're good to go! Just check the species first.
As long as the wood hasn't rotted, you can definitely carve it! It won’t be any harder than other types of wood that have been air dried or kiln dried from the same species.