Hi Mark,

One lazy man's method of making stable spindle stock is by relieving the
internal stresses of green wood by just letting an untreated log or
limb, say about 18" long, crack & split by itself.

Not for all species, but often there is one deep longitudinal split
(sometimes two) all the way to the pith that "releases" much of the
internal stresses and strains. Then just debark and rive along the big
split and cut up the two unequal halves into spindle stock sizes of your
choice.

I sometimes slosh liquid dishwashing detergent (or whatever it's called
in the UK) on the two halves before cutting them up, but that's another
topic to discuss pro & con ad infinitum (and nauseum) along with alcohol
soaks, microwaves, paper sacks, incantations, acts of congress (or
parliment), etc. etc.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


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