Two questions for those with saw mills

[Dave Boyt]

3" from the wall results in dead air space, so the fan will help, but you need it up to move the air evenly through the stack. Might use a couple of fans-- one between each column of stickers. Fortunately, walnut is the most forgiving wood there is, when it comes to drying. I think you'll be fine. You might see a little end checking (cracking). Some people put latex paint on the ends of boards to reduce this. Give it at least a year.

 

[groundup]

If I put a fan on it, will that cause the wood to dry too fast? That's my biggest fear, that and cracking.

It depends on the conditions of where it's stored. If you have good airflow then you don't need a fan. If it's sitting in a damp corner then you may get mold. Just monitor the wood.

Did you paint the ends? That will help prevent cracking, but there is no way to completely eliminate the chance.

Air drying wood is unpredictable, you will more than likely have some splitting, cracking and twisting. That's just the nature of the process.

 

[TheLazyBFarm]

It depends on the conditions of where it's stored. If you have good airflow then you don't need a fan. If it's sitting in a damp corner then you may get mold. Just monitor the wood.

Did you paint the ends? That will help prevent cracking, but there is no way to completely eliminate the chance.

Air drying wood is unpredictable, you will more than likely have some splitting, cracking and twisting. That's just the nature of the process.

I talked about this with my sawyer and he recommended not doing it.

I turned on the ceiling fan closest to the wood stack, so there should be much less chance of any mold or other issue. The air is pretty dry in the bar.

Thanks,

 

[Dave Boyt]

I've never even heard of anyone recommending not painting the ends. Wood dries out most quickly through the end grain When the end of the board dries, it shrinks, and that causes end checking. Painting slows down the movement of moisture through the ends so the board dries more evenly. Tell you what... why not end paint half the boards and see for yourself?

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I'm with Dave 150% on this one! Paint them!

BY FAR the best thing to paint them with is "Anchorseal!!" You can get it on Amazon...

SR