Today I cut a big cherry tree about 15 inches in diameter an 14inch lengths. My questions are should I split it radially into pie shape pieces each enough to make a plane so all will be quarter sawn? also what is the best way to dry it?

I forgot to answer this the other week and I also was hoping Larry Williams would see this as he's the resident expert in all-wood planes and his insights on such things is quite illuminating and much valued.

Ideally yes, it would be good to cut it radially -- but the pieces may end up being too small in a 15" diameter tree. You might have to slab cut it and use the outer pieces for other things (fences, smaller planes etc.)

Once you cut it you will need to coat the ends in paint, wax etc. to slow the drying down -- otherwise you risk end-checking. Once you've done that then stack and sticker the boards to allow good air flow around each piece. Try to use the same wood for the sticker pieces, as there's often scrap pieces left over from the initial cutting to allow for this. Be sure to put some heavy weights on top of the stacked boards to help combat warping. If you use metal weights then be careful that the metal doesn't stain the wood.

Depending on how thick you cut the slabs will determine how long they'll take to dry.

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Admin.