The Forestry Forum

I finally found a bunch of juniper trees big enough for a couple projects and am wondering what would be the average drying time on 2" slabs and 6x6 posts. I'll be sticker stacking them in my canning/utility room down stairs which is heated and have a fan on them. Also, how much over size should I saw them if I'm shooting for 2" after drying and planning both sides?
Thanks in advance for any help.

Allan


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Allan,
Our Juniper is a little different than yours. I know it has a scientific name, but it escapes me right now. Locally known a "alligator bark Juniper". It's very unstable, and will split and crack very bad when drying. I usually let my logs set for at least 6 months, if not a year before I mill them. Seems to help with the splitting. Your juniper may behave differently, but this has been my experience.

Andy

I pulled several loads of Juniper out of the Modoc NF over the winter most went thru a kiln for flooring but a good portion was air dried for craft wood, what i gathered was treat it like any other cedar and don't rush the drying to much.
If you are planing both sides give yourself a good 1/4" to 5/16" for wider pieces a bit more as the knotty tight grain lends itself to some cupping.

Thanks guys. Maybe it will be a spring project instead of winter.

Allan