Managing Rot in Lumber During Air Drying: Should You Cut or Cure?
When drying lumber, improperly managed rot can spell disaster, spreading to other pieces of timber and ultimately rendering your carefully selected stock unusable.
The Impact of Rot on Lumber Drying
Rot must be dealt with before the drying process begins. Rot not only weakens the wood but also harbors insect spores. These spores can easily migrate from infected to uninfected wood through close proximity, potentially destroying your entire stack over several years. Therefore, it is crucial to address any rot issues before initiating the drying process to ensure the longevity and quality of your timber.
Deciding Between Cutting and Curing
While the choice between eliminating rot by cutting or leaving it to address during the dimensional cutting process can seem complex, there are a few key considerations to guide your decision.
Cutting the Infected Materials
Identify and remove any clearly unusable rotten material. This not only prevents the spread of rot but also eliminates potential insect hotspots. Piny material is often the first to attract insects, so cutting away these sections can protect the rest of the slab.
Curing Slabs as Is
In some cases, it might be more efficient to air dry the slab “as is” and address the rot during the dimensional cutting process. This approach can be particularly beneficial if the rot is isolated and the rest of the slab offers clean, usable timber.
Professional Insights
To gain a more informed perspective, you might consider reaching out to experts in the field, such as Matthew Cremona, who specializes in woodworking and has provided informative videos and answers to similar questions.
Spalting: The Deliberate Art of Rot
While the focus here is on eliminating rot, it is worth noting that some woodworking enthusiasts, like Matthew Cremona, practice a unique technique called spalting. Spalting involves allowing specific fungi to infest wood at just the right moment, creating fine black lines that enhance the wood’s character and appearance. This process is highly specialized and often involves a bit of luck.
Real-World Example: Spalted Magnolia Lumber
A memorable example of spalted wood comes from the author’s own experience. His wife’s Cajun uncle let an enormous magnolia tree sit in the yard, rolling it occasionally to expose different sections to the earth. After a certain period, the tree was sent to a sawmill. This rare type of magnolia lumber, often spalted, is highly sought after due to its exquisite beauty.
The Mischief of Insects
Residents of the uncle’s home mentioned how each tiny hole in the fireplace mantle was claimed to be the result of tacks holding up Christmas stockings during the busy holiday season. This anecdote, perhaps intended to be humorous, underscores the real mechanics of how insects can infest and damage wood over time.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the decision to cut out the rot or leave the slab intact depends on the severity and isolation of the rot. In most cases, addressing rot before the drying process is crucial to preserve the quality and usability of your lumber. Consultation with experienced woodworkers or industry experts can provide further guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.