Redwood table
Daniel Peers | 10/07/2019 18:41:15 |
1 forum posts | Hi everyone I have some questions. I have bought an eight foot redwood slab from a sawmill it is about 5 inches thick, I would like to make a base and turn it into an outside table. However I don’t think it’s fully dry! If I make a base that allows the slab to sit on top, then I won’t have to screw it which would affect the hold of the screws when the wood contracts if I sand the slab and use a protective oil- then which one? Will the slab continue to dry with oil on it? i plan to cover the table during rain
ideally I would store the slab, buy a wood moisture gauge and check until I’m happy that it’s at the right moisture level, then build, but it could take a while! I live near Manchester, I would like to kiln dry the slab if anyone knows of a place that would do this? i hope someone can advise, thanks
Dan |
Derek Lane | 11/07/2019 20:16:13 |
![]() Moderator 3206 forum posts 990 photos | It will take a very long time to dry normally 1" per year plus 1 year but the problem is that it is a very thick piece and can take a lot longer. If it is still wet/green then the ends ideally would need to be sealed to slow the drying and hopefully prevent it splitting from the end grain. A moisture meter will only tell you the moisture on the surface or as deep as the probes can penetrate |
Please login to post a reply.
Want the latest issue of The Woodworker incorporating Good Woodworking? Use our magazine locator links to find your nearest stockist!
We're always happy to hear from you, so feel free to get in touch!