Timber drying, whats the best way?

[Matt88s]

I recently bought a slab of Walnut from a chap with a sawmill, he had just cut the slab from some walnut trees he had removed from the path of a new highway that was being put in. So its pretty green.

Its been lightly sealed all over with a sealer. Is that all that needs to be done beside let it sit for 2/3/4 years? I plan to eventually use some of it for gunstocks, and some for general woodcarving and woodturning.

I may also go back and get a few more slabs, this first slab was only $60, not bad considering usually goes for $10-15 a BF around here and this piece is as tall as me and about 3-4" thick.

Anyhow, its in the garage right now, should I just leave it there?

Here's a pic or two.





Cheers!

[DJ’s Timber]

For starters, don't leave it stored as it is now, it will gradually bow on you.

Best laying flat or if you must have it standing up, have it dead flat against the wall with a strap or prop to keep it there.

I would be getting some end-grain sealer and make sure the all the end-grain is sealed, particularly around the crutch end.