Buxus s. How easy to cleave?

[stuckinthemud]

I have been incredibly lucky enough to get a 75" long, 4" diameter stem of box (buxus sempervirens). I need to split this and seal the ends for storage. Does it have interlocking grain? How straightforward is it to cleave? Cannot bandsaw it as I don't have access to one, do have a chainsaw so last resort would be to use that but I'd really rather not.

 

[Tris]

In my (albeit limited) experience box seems to have a slow spiral to the grain. If you don't have to split it I think I'd just seal it for now

 

[Bm101]

Chainsaw would be a huge waste. Have a look at cleaving brakes or ask for a member local to you to bandsaw it for beer tokens or a cuppa and a chocolate biscuit.
Quick google:

 

[Adam W.]

You'll probably just end up turning it into firewood if you try to rive it.

I'd cut it into lengths, take the bark off and stack it without sealing the ends up. It'll probably only split on one side anyway.

Sealing the ends up just makes it go mouldy and streaky, as it's slow to dry and contains a huge amount of moisture.

Edit: alcohol induced commas.

 

[sneggysteve]

You can use my Startrite bandsaw if you want - not a million miles from you?
Steve

 

[stuckinthemud]

Wow Steve, that'd be amazing, PM sent.