To effectively store logs for turning and maximize their usability, the most recommended practice is to keep them in their full log form with the end-grain thoroughly sealed until you are ready to use them. This approach significantly slows down the natural tendency of wood to crack, particularly at the pith, ensuring the material remains viable for your projects. When a piece is needed, simply cut off the required section and immediately reseal the freshly exposed end.
The Critical Role of End-Grain Sealing
Wood loses moisture much more rapidly through its end-grain than through its side grain. This uneven drying causes internal stress, leading to common defects like splits and checks, which can render valuable turning blanks unusable. Sealing the end-grain creates a barrier that slows down this moisture loss, promoting a more uniform and gradual drying process throughout the log.
- Preventing Cracks: By regulating moisture escape, sealing dramatically reduces the likelihood and severity of radial cracks and checks.
- Retaining Moisture: It keeps the wood in a "greener" state for longer, which can be advantageous for turning certain types of wood that are easier to work when wet.
- Minimizing Waste: Protecting the wood from early defects means more usable material for your turning projects.
Common End-Grain Sealants
Choosing the right sealant is crucial for effective moisture control.
| Sealant Type | Description | Application Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorseal | A popular, specially formulated wax emulsion for wood. | Apply liberally with a brush; multiple coats enhance effectiveness. |
| Latex Paint | Inexpensive and widely available household paint. | Use a thick, good quality exterior latex paint; two to three coats are recommended. |
| Paraffin Wax | Molten wax, often applied by dipping the log ends. | Very effective, but requires melting wax and a dipping container. |
Optimal Storage Environment
Beyond sealing, the environment where logs are stored plays a pivotal role in their long-term preservation and the quality of the wood.
- Shade and Shelter: Always protect logs from direct sunlight and rain. UV exposure and rapid wetting/drying cycles accelerate cracking and can lead to rot. Store logs under a roof or tarp.
- Good Airflow: Ensure there is ample air circulation around and between individual logs. This prevents the buildup of moisture, which can lead to mold, mildew, and decay.
- Consistent Conditions: Aim for a cool, relatively humid environment with minimal temperature and humidity fluctuations. Stable conditions reduce stress on the wood fibers. Learn more about wood drying.
Stacking and Handling Logs for Longevity
Proper stacking techniques further aid in preserving your turning stock.
- Elevate Logs: Never store logs directly on the ground. Use "stickers" (small, uniform pieces of wood, typically 1 inch thick) to elevate logs, allowing air to circulate underneath and preventing moisture absorption from the soil.
- Stack Neatly: Arrange logs in stable stacks, using stickers between layers. This not only promotes airflow but also prevents individual logs from rolling.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically check your stored logs for any signs of mold growth, insect infestation (like borers), or excessive cracking. Addressing issues early can save your wood.
- Consider Covered Stacks: For long-term outdoor storage, a covered stack that allows for ventilation is ideal.
Understanding the Pith and Cracking
It's important to understand that while sealing significantly slows cracking, especially at the pith (the very center of the log), it may not entirely eliminate it. Wood naturally experiences internal stresses as it dries, and radial cracks originating from the pith are a common and often unavoidable characteristic of this process. Sealing is a management technique to mitigate, not completely prevent, these natural phenomena.
When to Cut and Re-Seal
The strategy of keeping logs in full form and only cutting off what is needed for a specific turning project offers several benefits:
- Minimizes Exposed Ends: Reduces the total number of end-grain surfaces actively losing moisture at any given time.
- Immediate Resealing: Each time a section is cut from a larger log, the newly exposed end-grain should be immediately resealed to maintain the protective barrier.
- Project Flexibility: Allows you to select the precise size and section of wood that best suits your current turning design, optimizing material use.
Proper log storage is a crucial step for any woodturner, blending protective measures with environmental control to preserve the wood's integrity and prepare it for the lathe.
