Holly storing

[crazylegs]

Got an offer of some fresh cut holly. How should I approach storing it? I know it cracks at any and every opportunity. My last lot told me this!!

[Lazurus]

My last batch was planked into 2" boards sealed and put in stick in an outside covered wood store, about 60% is useable. I think it is just the nature of holly!

[Tim Pettigrew]

Have just had excellent results coating with Endseal. MUCH better than coating with PVA (which I did with some of it to compare).

[crazylegs]

Should I leave it in log form or split them? I do not want to plank it but want bowl blanks.

[seventhdevil]

if you want bowls from it then rough turn the lot immediately and then completely seal the blanks for a couple of years...

[Tim Pettigrew]

Should I leave it in log form or split them? I do not want to plank it but want bowl blanks.

For bowls I would convert them as soon as possible (eliminating the pith) and immediately rough turn the resulting blanks. Give each rough turned bowl 3 coats of Endseal and allow to dry slowly.

Weigh the turnings on digital scales say every fortnight until a constant weight indicates they have reached their equilibrium moisture content (EMC). The loss of weight will be very roughly between 30% to 45% and should take no more than about 6-10 months to dry (depending on size). The bowls will warp like crazy but with luck shouldn't crack. They can then be remounted on the lathe for finishing.

Have some photos if it would help?

[Paul Hannaby]

You could just turn it green and thin and let it move, which it will do a lot of!

If you rough turn bowls, leave them thicker than you would for other woods because of the amount of movement.

[fuzzyturns]

Follow Steve's advice. Avoid knots as much as you can, they are just trouble with Holly. Allow plenty of room for warping, as they will warp like there's no tomorrow. And don't be surprised if you only get about 50-60% of usable bowls in the end, that's not a bad rate for Holly.