On Nov 20, 11:38 am, "Mark Jerde" wrote:
Could someone assist my googling? g Two days ago the power company
converted a walnut tree in our backyard to a pile of branches and a stack of
14" logs about a foot to a foot and a half long. I painted the ends of the
largest of the logs before running out of old paint.

Then I unpacked my new Harbor Freight (I know, I know) mini lathe and set of
starter lathe chisels and made three practice "Christmas Tree Ornaments"
from lengths of the branches. No finish was applied. This morning the two
that are under an inch in diameter are ok but the 2" diameter ornament is
badly cracked.

How does one successfully work with green wood? Strip off the bark and let
it sit a year?

In any case I'm not going to be able to turn all the wood so there are some
free-for-the-hauling walnut logs in Bowie, Maryland USA if anyone wants some
wood. Do the obvious to the email address.

-- Mark

Mark,
for ornaments I would suggest you use dry wood.
Cut or split the branches to remove the pith and then use the
microwave (watch out for SO (-: )
Use it on about 75%power and zap for 30 seconds then allow to cool and
weigh. Repeat ad nauseum until the weight is stabilized and you are
ready to go.