I make side tables out of 2 inch thick 3' diameter pine and alder
endgrain slices/slabs. The trick to prevent radial cracking:
Seasoning in the house for 1 year prior to beltsanding smooth (they
start out with chainsaw finish) and finishing with 6-10 coats of
shellac. Don't know if this would work for entire log sections due to
thickness and difficulty in maintaining even moisture content
throughout entire piece.
Wondering where I store these slabs in the house for a year? I keep
them under my bed!