WOOD STABILIZER PREVENTS CRACKS

Q: A recent storm left a large tree limb in our yard. I'd like to slice cross sections for plaques and trivets. How do I keep the slices from splitting as they dry?
A: Pentacryl wood preservative is an excellent product made for this very purpose. A slice of wood will always split because, as it dries, the cells collapse and wither just like a dry sponge This stress from contraction literally pulls the disk apart, usually resulting in a single, nasty split that rims from the bark edge toward the pith. Pentacryl reinforces the cells so they retain their shape as they dry. As a result, very little stress builds up in the wood and cracks rarely occur. Pentacryl is nontoxic and is compatible with any kind of finish. Here are a few tips about making plaques from Dale Knobloch, the owner of Preservation Solutions, which makes Pentacryl.

• To keep the bark edge on a slab, cut the wood during the winter.
• Wood that has been outside, especially in winter, should be brought to room temperature before you apply Pentacryl.
• Don't overtreat - plan to soak your wood no more than five minutes for every inch of its thickness.
• After treatment, the wood must be allowed to dry evenly. Make sure it is exposed to air on all sides.
• Don't hurry the drying by adding heat or air movement.