I recently bought some salvaged redwood boards that had been submerged under the Big River in Mendocino, CA. for over 100 years. I talked to the dealer and told him I was using it to build outdoor furniture. I tried to explain that although I was an ametuer, I was somewhat accomplished at the craft. He assured me that the wood would be gorgeous, and at almost $11/board foot, I was looking forward to some gorgeous stuff.

I got the shipment which consisted of 1″, 2″ and 4″ thick boards. I was pleased with both the 1″ and 2″ material but, the 4″ thick seemed to have some “deep” checks. I planed 1/2″ off the surface of 1 board, hoping it was just on the surface, I then saw that some of the cracks went down as much as another 3/8″ . When I questioned the dealer, you’d think I called his wife a dirty name. He said they were sun checks. I’ve never heard this term before, but I assume he’s referring to slight surface checks, which these were not. I referred to Bruce Hoadley’s book, and under the chapter on drying wood, it looks like this material has a Stage 2 drying defect (shell in tension, core under compression). But, I couldn’t find anything on how to avoid this drying defect. Was this material allowed to dry out too quickly? I got some case hardened Claro walnut (honey-combed) some time ago, and I’m a little leary.

He told me if I brought it back, he wood have one of his lumber graders look at the boards and if he agreed with my assertion, he’d help. If not, I guess I’m screwed.

Can someone give me some ammo?

Thanks!

Dale