Bowls sealed with thinned wood glue after being partially turned.
All of the wood I use in my woodworking projects comes from tree services or people who had trees fall during storms. A lot of the wood I get is very wet. This is beautiful cherry that someone gave me after a wind storm. Some of the longer section were rough cut into 8”x36”x2” boards with a chainsaw. These are bowls that are rough turned, coated with thinned wood glue then into storage until they dry for a couple of months. Two down - Twenty to go. 😁
Working with freshly cut or storm-damaged wood can be a challenge due to its high moisture content, which often causes cracking or warping as it dries. In my experience, sealing rough-turned bowls with thinned wood glue is an effective step to manage this issue. The glue forms a protective barrier that slows down moisture loss and stabilizes the wood surface. One important tip I’ve learned is to apply a thin, even coat of glue right after the initial rough turning. This approach locks in moisture internally, reducing surface checking and helping the bowl dry evenly. Storing the glue-sealed bowls in a controlled environment—away from direct sunlight and rapid temperature changes—further improves drying success. Additionally, using wood sourced from tree services or storm-felled trees contributes to sustainability while providing unique grain patterns, especially with cherry wood. Each piece tells a story, and the preservation method enhances both the durability and aesthetic appeal of the finished product. For woodworkers considering this method, patience is key. The drying process can take several months, but the results are worth the wait: beautifully preserved bowls with minimal defects. Overall, sealing with thinned wood glue after partial turning is a practical technique that I highly recommend for projects using green or wet wood.
