I'm working on a project with a piece of red oak about the size of a brace head, and I've noticed that it keeps splitting and pulling apart whenever I turn it. I've tried using Titebond III to fill the cracks after each session, and sometimes I have to divide the part into smaller steps for drilling. Is this normal behavior for red oak? The wood has been drying for at least 2 years, possibly up to 5, and I feel like it keeps shrinking every time I turn it. I've used other woods like pecan, pine, beech, and poplar with no issues, so I'm wondering if there's something specific about red oak that's causing this. Any advice would be really appreciated!
1 Answer
It sounds like your red oak might still have a high moisture content. Each time you expose fresh wood, it could be drying out and splitting more. You might want to check it with an inexpensive moisture meter; it could give you a better idea of the wood's condition.
It's been cut for about five years, and I live in Texas. The biggest piece I have is roughly 5 inches in diameter.