I'm an amateur woodworker who's been forced into the hobby because I needed new cabinets for my kitchen and couldn't afford to buy them. I've got some birch, beech, and oak logs that are about 5 inches in diameter, sourced from trees that fell during a harsh winter. I'm considering using them for a laser engraver project, particularly to make coasters.
However, I've never worked with raw logs before; I usually buy pre-dried lumber. I'm looking for advice on how to dry these logs properly. They've been cut into lengths of about 20 inches—should I leave them as is or should I peel and slice them first? Also, how long should I expect the drying process to take, and what pitfalls should I be aware of? Any insights would be appreciated!
3 Answers
When I worked with logs, a moisture meter became my best friend. Each wood type needs its specific moisture content to be optimal for projects. For rough drying, I usually kept my wood outside, shaded and covered for about 6 months to a year depending on the species. Youtube has great tutorials on the process if you want a visual guide.
To make usable lumber, you should mill those logs into planks and ensure to seal the end grain for air drying. A thumb rule is about a year of drying for every inch of thickness. For your 5" diameter logs, aim for around 5 years of drying time. You might want to peel them first to avoid cracking and moisture issues. Stack them in a dry area, but be cautious about significant temperature fluctuations—storing them outside covered may work better than in a non-insulated workshop.
Consider building a solar kiln if you're looking for an economical and efficient drying method! I made one for under $100 using just 2x4s and plastic sheeting. It really speeds up the drying process and reduces issues with moisture.