Drying pine stumps for indoor use

[agilde]

Hello!

I have had two pine stumps cut up, which we plan to use as bedside tables. These have been outside (though not cut then) since last summer. Now I have debarked one and plan to debark the other. They seem to retain a high moisture content, and I think they will dry over time.

Question
What should I consider when they dry? Right now, they are in the basement, which has a slightly lower temperature and I assume quite high relative humidity. I want to be able to use them as soon as possible, but at the same time, I don't want them to crack too much. I've read on various sites about tricks like drilling holes underneath in the middle to allow moisture to escape there. I've also read that they should be treated to prevent the moisture from escaping too quickly. What is most suitable here?

Thanks in advance

 

[prototypen]

Don't think it's possible to avoid cracking when it dries.
If you drill from underneath, like 10 cm holes almost all the way through maybe.

Protte

 

[agilde]

Thanks for the quick reply! Can I treat them right away, or should I wait until they have dried? A few small cracks don't really matter, they might even be charming, but I don't want them to crack completely

 

[Jensa86]

By chance, when I was about to start learning how to turn again yesterday, I happened to read a bit about how to care for the wood to ensure it's suitable for these purposes.

The goal is to prevent it from cracking, and for that, it needs to dry as slowly as possible. It dries mostly at the ends where it is cut, so it's best to cover there in some way. Apparently, there are different waxes, etc., that can be applied which are said to be good.

How were you planning to treat them then?

 

[agilde]

The goal is to prevent it from cracking, so it needs to dry as slowly as possible. It dries mostly on the ends where it is sawed, so it is best to cover them somehow. There are apparently different waxes, etc., that you can apply that are supposed to be good

I haven't thought too much about how to treat them. I initially intended to keep them "natura," but it might be wise to treat them. I have Osmo Hardwax Oil at home, maybe that could work to apply on the ends?

 

[Leif i Skåne]

Put it in a black garbage bag and place it in a warm spot for a month. Check the process and air out moisture once a week.