paint

[peterob]

what is the way to stop cracking of logs before sawing, i've got some logs that will be sitting for a while

[Chuck White]

I think the best is a product called anchorseal, although some people will just paint the ends of the logs with whatever paint they have on hand!

Just have to keep in mind that nothing is guaranteed!  ;)

[YellowHammer]

I think the best is a product called anchorseal

Try to coat the ends as soon you can, preferably as soon as you turn off the chainsaw
YH

[WDH]

Regular paint is a poor end sealer.  Go with the Anchorseal. 

[Raym]

Anchorseal's formula has changed and you may need several coats to prevent checking. There is another product that I think works better, artisan woodsealer. You can get it from www.woodturnerscatalog.com

[longtime lurker]

Mobilcer M  is a purpose specific log end sealer manufactured by Exxon Mobil.

Caltex also make an identical product. I can't tell you it's US trade name, but Caltex is a division of Chevron so it shouldn't be that hard to find out.

[Magicman]

Another option is to leave the logs ~one foot longer and trim the ends before sawing.  That saves the cost of sealer and the labor for applying it.

[WDH]

You can buy the original Anchorseal from UC Coatings, but you cannot order on-line.  You have to call them.  That is what I do. 

[Too Big To Fail]

does anybody use elastomeric roof paint? 

[WDH]

I have used aluminum roof paint.  Very messy, very hard to clean up, and if any gets on anything, is there permanently.  Does not work any better than anchorseal, is about as expensive, too.  It has no advantages over anchorseal and is very difficult to work with. 

[Too Big To Fail]

I'm looking at $79/5 gallon elastomeric vs $37/1 gallon Anchorseal (which I have used and like well enough) but the elastomeric is acrylic, so maybe is porous?  Don't know.  Seems like being roof paint it wouldn't be.  Less than 1/2 price is attractive to me.

[PC-Urban-Sawyer]

I'm looking at $79/5 gallon elastomeric vs $37/1 gallon Anchorseal (which I have used and like well enough) but the elastomeric is acrylic, so maybe is porous?  Don't know.  Seems like being roof paint it wouldn't be.  Less than 1/2 price is attractive to me.

The AnchorSeal (original formulation) is listed for $88 per 5 gallons at UC website. They used to have free shipping to many areas, not sure if that's still the case. Give them a call. There's really little comparison between the products.

Herb

[Too Big To Fail]

good call.  helps to buy in bulk

[WDH]

Yep, get the five gallon pail.  Will save you a lot. 

[backwoods sawyer]

Bowl turners bought a 55 gallon drum, there was enough of us that wanted five or ten gallons, saves even more that way..

[mikeb1079]

i'll reemphasize that it's critical to apply immediately.  if not don't bother...

just my experience.

[taw6243]

does anybody use elastomeric roof paint?

yes, but it's not paint, it is roof coating more of a rubber and keeps water in as well as out, from Menards $15.00 per gallon it's what I use.