Whether to Wax Walnut Ends Before Steaming
Advice on temporary outdoor storage of Walnut that you plan on steaming. October 29, 2008
Question
We steam walnut here at our company. Our walnut is bought in not steamed. It sits in our yard for no more than two weeks before it gets into the steamer, as we buy in a lot of walnut at a time. My question is, is it okay to wax the ends of our walnut before it goes in the steamer so that it won't end check, or will it affect the steamer process?
Forum Responses
(Sawing and Drying Forum)
From Professor Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor:
It is best not to wax before steaming as the heat will typically melt the wax. It is also best to steam ASAP after sawing.
From the original questioner:
I know it will melt the wax, but will it not start drying if it sits in the yard for a while? We know it needs to be put in the steamer right away, but sometimes that can't happen. What we are doing is putting it in a couple of sprinklers to mist the walnut throughout the summer. Do you suggest waxing the ends if it sits for a couple of weeks, or is it a waste of money for us to do that?
From Professor Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor:
Cover the lumber with Shade-Dri cloth and then sprinkle it continuously. Do not end coat.
