What to do with section from beech tree?

[Nadder]

Hi Everyone,

I hope you don't mind me joining to get some advice...

Yesterday my large beech tree was felled and I am devastated as it was the main feature of my garden. I asked for a section to be cut, and really want to get someone to make something with it but have no idea whether it is suitable or what to ask for. I would have loved a small table, but it is brown in the middle so would not be attractive. Maybe a shallow bowl or a chopping board?

Also, if suitable do I need to treat it in some way or leave for a couple of years before approaching someone?

Section is 34 inches diameter, 5 inches thick. I attach a photo too.

Many thanks for any advice.

 

[CHJ]

Sorry to be negative but afraid that cut as a slice across the trunk like that you are most unlikely to dry it without severe splitting, it will loose moisture too rapidly from the cut surfaces.
One consolation is that being 5 inches thick there may be some usable small logs 5 inches long salvageable suitable for small projects in 2-3 years time if you can store it in a relatively dry location.

 

[paulm]

Classic mistake I'm afraid with the timber being cut that way, renders it pretty useless for most things sadly.

Have you still got the rest of the trunk ?

Cheers, Paul

 

[Nadder]

OK thanks to you both for replying. My father in law left a message a little too late about how it should be cut... Unfortunately the fellers were quick to sell on the wood and a little sawdust is all that remains! I'll just have to make do with photos...

 

[swb58]

If the brown wood in the centre is that colour because of some sort of rot then I'd remove it now. It might give enough room for the rest of it to dry and contract without major splitting.

It's probably started to crack already, so I don't think you have many choices now, anything is worth a try though.

I experimented once with a 6" diameter Ivy stem, put it to sit on plastic and laid plastic over the top. I should have left it alone for a longer time but it didn't split in the time that I gave it.

 

[Fat ferret]

Split it into chunks about 1 1/2" square dry for a few months and turn it into some chisel handles for some old chisels.

Or get it cut into say 2 x 2 x 5" long leave to dry and glue up to make a cheese board.

Not ideal but maybe you can salvage enough for these small projects.

 

[aesmith]

Make an end-grain chopping block? Cut the section into pieces, let them dry then square off and glue up into a block.

 

[Nadder]

Thanks all, some great ideas. Think will go for the chopping board one...