deodar cedar rounds
Tyler
>Hello. This is my first post, but I've sure enjoyed reading for the past few months. I'm new to woodworking and pretty much just use hand tools. I've come across some large diameter, but unfortunately very short deodar cedar (true cedar native to Asia, not like the red/yellow/etc. cedar of the NW USA) logs. I've also got some tulip tree rounds and some other deciduous that I'm not sure about. The bigger logs are perhaps 24-30" diameter, but only 18" long at most. I'd like to make some small rustic stools, chairs and such. My plan is to cut some of it into 2-3" thick rounds, rip some of it into short 2-3" boards--quarter sawn right through the center--and split some of it into wrist sized sticks for legs. And here are my questions. First, can I just dry it in either my garage or even heated basement (with stickers)? Some cracks are fine...they'll only add to the rustic look I'm going for. If so, how long will it likely take to dry in such small pieces. Second, how thin can I make the rounds cut across grain before they'll be useless to support any weight? I don't want them to break if someone stands on one, and I wasn't planning to put any extra support underneath them (ie: aprons). Also, any additional wisdom is always welcome. Thanks for all the wonderful knowledge and stories I've picked up just lurking on this forum. --Tyler Seattle, WA