Walnut logs

[yyyyyguy]

I have several walnut logs (cut to 3' lengths) can I do anything with them, or is it too late, about a year old some splitting on the ends has happened, I don't have a planer but I could cut them and save them for planing later. I'm thinking more for the round relief not boards.

[dgman]

Hey Wise guy, Cut off the checking which is the splitting, and coat the ends with latex paint or  a product made for sealing the ends of boards. When logs and boards dry they let off moisture on the end grain and that is what causes the checking. When you get around to cutting into boards or rounds, coat the exposed end grain again to limit the checking.

[yyyyyguy]

Thanks dgman - will do, just hate to waste walnut (my personal favorite)

[Russ C]

I agree with Dan. The moisture wicks out to the ends and the ends loose moisture rapidly causing the splitting/checking. Cut it off and paint the ends.