HELP - Oak slab advice needed

[Joe_bradshaw]

Looking for some advice, I milled an Oak slab from a stem I felled about 5yrs ago which I then let sit for about 2yrs before bringing it in the garage to work it, figuring it would be sufficiently seasoned. I was planning on turning it into a table so I’ve planed it and started sanding however it’s developing a crack which I’m convinced is spreading. This is my first attempt so excuse my ignorance but is it likely to simply split in two and if so is it doomed or can something be done to prevent it? I’ve attached a couple of pics which don’t show it fantastically. It’s a really nice piece and I’ve invested a lot of time into it now so don’t want to give up on it too easily similarly I also don’t want to press on and get rid of my existing dining table if it’s days are numbered. Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

thanks in advance, Joe

[wisewood]

Cut in some bow ties , that will prevent further splitting and will make a nice feature

[gobbypunk]

Hi there are a few things you could do , leave it for a few wks then take it in your house for another month or more if you can let it move then fill the cracks with resin, metal powder,glow in the dark powder , or incase the whole thing in resin or just live with it I bought that it would crack kin half what ever you decide it should look cool do post some pics when it's done.

Cheers Mark

[Daniël Bos]

Oak can take an insanely long time to dry, the two year might be enough if it's less than 2" thick, but 1y/inch is really the minimum.

It also looks like it has some browning, brown oak seems to always shrink more than normal.

[Lazurus]

If the crack becomes too much, cut it in half, turn the pieces over and fill with resin, a river table.

 

There are no mistakes, just design opportunities

[Rough Hewn]

Sold a slab of nice pippy oak to a client.
This is what he made.
[emoji3]

[Joe_bradshaw]

Thanks for the tips, think I’ll see how it responds and maybe put in some ties, I’d like it to look as natural as possible so treatment is the next hurdle. 

 

Id not heard of browning before looked into it and definitely think the fungus has played a part in the colouring. Made these shelves from a thinner slab from the same stem. Not great pics but you get the idea, the black mark is from 3 nice chunky cast iron nails which did wonders for the ripping chain.

[mickdundee]

The shelves look great. Good luck with the table