Drying Olive Wood

[rb765]

I know this is in the wrong area, but i could not figure out where to stick it. I need help from anyone that has experience drying Olive wood. I acquired a small log, split it, and sealed it using Rocklers Green Wood preservative (emulsified wax preparation). About a week later, I planed the chainsaw cut surface with an electric hand planer to prepare it for future cutting, then resealed it. I noticed, beside the wine smell that the wood gives off, that the first wax seal I put on the wood almost all turned burgundy. Is this normal for this wood, and is the wine smell normal? I don't mind it as it reminds me of my dad's grape farm, but it is kinda weird.

 

[Fred]

I have had great success with my green cut wood by using the boiling method as explained by Steven Russell at his website. The boiling kills anything in the wood, bugs, etc. and so far I have had less than 1% splitting where before there was considerable loss to checking, etc.

Read his procedure here: http://www.woodturningvideosplus.com/boiling-green-wood.html

I have not used this with Olive Wood before, but the worst thing that could happen is that you get really hungry from the smell of the oil in the wood as it "cooks".

I bet if you wrote directly to Steve he would have an idea or two on this subject. BTW, he is also a member here on the Forum.

Let us know what you find out. Good Luck!