Milling osage

[Coach]

A few years ago I took a couple of osage logs to a sawmill and had them milled into 2x6's.  I sealed the ends and let them season for a few months.  I am not sure how long the logs had been cut before I had them milled.  I got some very fine checks in some of the slats that I cut from the 2x6's.

When milling a log is it alright to do it right after cutting or should it set for awhile.  A big log isn't going to dry out very fast.  Is there anything else I should of done after cutting the 2x6's to prevent checking?  (or warping)  

What is the proper way to do this operation?  Thanks, Coach

[sealevel]

the biggest cause of wood checking is sunlight . once cut get it out of the sunlight.I might be wrong but i don`t seal the ends i just like total darkness tell its dry . moisture must come out.

[Coach]

Thanks sealevel.  Coach

[Charlie Lamb]

Coach... While I agree with sealevel in part, I will add this.

Checking occurs because of rapid loss of moisture from the woods surface... sunlight does agrivate this.

If you could coat the surfaces of the boards with shellac and store in a dark place it would help immensely.

The shellac slows the rate at which the wood sheds moisture and helps prevent checking.

[Coach]

Thanks Charlie--Coach

[Mike Hames]

Coach, I have a place where I store my osage. Dark, hermetrically sealed, behind heavy steel doors. Ralph and Terry tried to get in there one day in Norman while I was working a game but didn't succeed.
I cut all of mine, seal the ends, take the bark off and keep in my garage or shed where as little light as possible can get to it, and cool to prevent moisture from escaping too fast. Never have any problem with drying checks.
I wouldn't charge much for tending to your osage stash until it was ready to make a bow.
Mike

[Ralph Renfro]

Coach, Don't believe such slanderous statements. You know I wouldn't try to steal any of Mikee's premium osage. Course, if he just happened to give his guide a chunk of "yeller gold", that would probably secure a turkey hunting spot this spring and if it was good enough, maybe a good stand for a whitetail this fall. LOL

[Ralph Renfro]

Coach, All of your wood didn't check. There was enough left for you to make this bow. I think you did good!!   [/IMG]