I'm new to woodworking and recently cut down some thinner trees to clear space in my yard. I want to make some small relief medallions for my family for Christmas. How long do I need to let the wood dry before I start carving? Does it really matter if I don't wait?
2 Answers
You definitely want to be cautious with green wood, as it can warp or split while drying. If you carve it too soon, you might ruin your piece! A good rule of thumb is that green wood usually takes about a year to dry per inch of thickness. If you're looking to minimize issues, try to dry some quarter-sawn sections first and see how they react before committing to your project.
For smaller pieces, consider using your oven to speed up the drying process! Just be sure to check out some guides on how to do it properly to avoid any splitting.