and a few more quick tips. Cracks result from differences in drying rates between the outside and inside of the tree. So wherever possible, I remove the center of the tree. A lot of the design of my pieces are a result of that process.

last tip. Once you cut into the log, your clock starts ticking. I try to get something carved, shaped, and ground within a few days. I then wax it up (melt 1 part beeswax and 4 parts walnut oil together).

few coats of that, and get that sucker out of the sun (basement or something)

wait for the wood to dry

use the grinder to strip off the wax

start sanding and finishing