I purchased a blank of mahogany 4.5" X 12" X 12". A couple of weeks back. I'm in the middle of finishing another project and can't produce saw dust for about another week or two. I noticed today that the blank is drying out and developing cracks and checks. Is there a trick or two to stop or slow this down until I can turn it? I put masking tape over the end grain in hopes of keeping the air out - borrowing from the wax idea. Is there anything else I can do?
>Maybe putting it in the freezer will stop the cracking (I don't *think* it will), but it won't cause a loss of moisture. As a matter of fact, I think it will dry it out more, but maybe at a slower pace.
>I have several blanks in the freezer and have turned many that have been frozen. When they thaw they are just as wet as when they were fresh cut. I read this trick in Ernie Conover's book "Turn A Bowl Getting great results the first time Around" The one thing I forgot to mention was put it in a bag first. If you have the book it is on Page 49 Step # 3. HE said they will keep indefinitely, however I have only used 2 year old blanks with great sucsess. No checks or cracks. I also had a shower while turning them.
>Seems like I am always forgetting something. And one more word of caution. Don't wrap the blank in butcher paper or the wife might try to coook it for sunday dinner. LOL Have a great day and keep on turning.