harry wrote:
On Feb 5, 10:06 pm, Chade wrote:
Hello,

A tree blew over and I've been chainsawing it up. I noticed it seems
to have some attractive heartwood.

http://tinyurl.com/4vnhr5t

I'm not much of a carpenter and while most of the tree, I think it was
a Lime, will be going for firewood I'd like to make something nice to
show. The only thought I've had so far is to polish a slice as a
clock. I'd like suggestions, and tips, as to what to do with it.
Whatever I did with it would I need to season it first to stop it from
cracking over time? If so how? My late friend used to try turning
bowls on his electric lathe but they always cracked.

It doesn't look a useful wood. The discolouration looks like rot to
me, it may be OK higher up. The leaves give a better clue as to what
sort it is. There are many fungii that strike into the roots of
trees, it's major forestry problem. This is probably why your tree
fell down.

All woods can be burned. Some takes longer to dry out than others
that's all. Cut the trunk up into suitable lengths while it's green
(cuts a lot easier). It will have to be split, some splits easier when
green some easier when dry.

Willow is grown now on an industrial scale for biofuel, & it burns OK
but quickly. Once dry it's very light.
I don't think your tree is willow as it's resistant to most of these
fungii.

IME even after a year to dry out its reluctant to burn.