Stabilizing a huge chunk of wood.

[neopyrrhus]

Hi, I have a huge slice of an Oak trunk, with the heart wood rotted-out and missing. My plan is to use it as a table leg indoors. I'm assuming this lack of heartwood will reduce any tendency for cracking during seasoning? The trunk is about three feet tall and three feet across. The remaining wood is about one foot thick. It is recently felled. Stopping the rot seems to be an easy enough issue with plenty of products available but I wonder if there are any sensible ways to stabilise and preserve the remaining wood itself. I'm not really looking for advice on wood hardeners, it doesn't really need that sort of treatment for the sound white wood that remains. But, I want to season the wood in a way that avoids checking and cracking or at least minimises it. Which I guess means some kind of stabilisation protocol. Any advice on methods or products would be great! Or maybe I don't need to bother?

Thanks for any advice in advance, Neopyrrhus.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

With the heartwood gone I think it would dry without any serious splitting - any minor checks would add to the natural effect.

Regards Mick

 

[Bradshaw Joinery]

stop it drying too quickly

leave it covered over outside where the morning dew can dampen it, seal all the end grain with wax/flexible paint.