It takes a long time for Black Walnut to dry and it is a procedure that is best done slowly. After cutting the slabs, a wax-like substance is painted on the ends to keep the boards from drying too quickly. That could result in checking or cracking. In the picture above, small uniform boards called stickers are drying in the kitchen and they will be used between the boards so that air can circulate freely around the boards. A lot of weight is put on the top to prevent the walnut from cupping, warping or twisting.
Shown above is the platform that Rich built to hold the boards that he is cutting. It is sort of bed and is in our pole barn. The boards will be placed on this bed, stickers put between the boards, and weight on the top. It is dry in the barn but still outdoors. Many people who love wood believe that this slow drying for a couple of years brings out the beautiful rich grain of the wood whereas kiln dried lumber may bleach it out.
The logs are ready to go to bed now. Cracks in the log on the left occur sometimes when they are being cut on the mill.
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