best way to air dry Arbutus (Madrone)

[Kasba]

has anyone had any luck air drying Arbutus (Madrone)? If so what is the best approach or am I wasting my time. I boil my bowl blanks but not sure about slabs.

[Den Socling]

I have only limited experience with Madrone in vac kilns. What I had was gnarly and wanted to move in every direction. I would think that air drying would require a lot of sticks and weight on top.

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Oregon State has a publication about this wood.  Drying is near the end.

http://owic.oregonstate.edu/pacific-madrone-arbutus-menziesii

[Kasba]

thank you for suggestions Gene and Den, I will give them a try.

[redbeard]

Kasba the big Madrone trees are the best. The smaller juvenile ones with the green sap wood are tough to air dry. I have had real good luck with the big ones. Nice Burgundy color. Even the dead or spalted trees are awesome. 

  

 

[Kasba]

thank you Redbird I appreciate the pictures as it shows how big the trunks need to be.

[5quarter]

Hey Redbird...either you're just a little fellow, or that is one big, bad*$$ chainsaw.  ;) ;D ;D

[redbeard]

That's little Redbeard he was posing for the pic. I don't let him use my big saw! I wish I could be 24 again.

[beenthere]

That Mt. Baker in the background?

[redbeard]

Yes that's Mt. Baker. Probably 50 miles away as crow flies. Takes about 90 min to make it to ski lifts  driving.