An Eucaliptus tree die in my property and it was cut today. I have massive slabs. I know that depending of the thickness of the slab air drying may take 3-6 months, and up to two years. I read an interesting article (see below) but my question is this, this is premium lumber given its size (the biggest pieces are from the trunk, 8″ x 6″ of circunsference) but there are also wonderful pieces from thick branches ( 5″ x 5 circunsference). Will they dry differentially (branches and trunk?), and may I let it dry for less than a year, then work on them, stain and so on so I can use them in large benches and tables outdoors and indoors? I will appreciate any answers.
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Processing_trees_to_lumber.html
Replies
Not sure what you mean by (8” x 6” circumference). Do you mean these are 8”wide x 6” thick boards? If they are then they won’t dry for years. Also lumber from branches is reaction wood and shouldn’t be used for lumber, with the exception of using them for bowl turnings and such. If you want the trunk lumber to use for indoor furniture then it needs to dry to less than 12% minimum. If the trunk lumber was milled to 4/4 then it could be ready in 8 to 12 months in a warm climate but in an area with short summers it would take longer.
I agree with rd4212.
Also, Eucalyptus is a notoriously difficult wood to dry without loosing a great deal of the yield to splitting, warping, cupping, twisting. The Gum tree is a difficult fellow.
Good luck drying the stuff. Let us know how it turns out.
Rich
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