Quick drying question

[Donny Lawson]

I am trying to figure out the best way to dry a piece of spalted maple to use for a lid on a HF.The piece is about 3" tall x 3 1/2" through and solid. I put it in DNA for a week and removed it yesterday. I let it sit and drain for about an hour and wrapped it in newspaper.Is there anything else I can do to maybe prevent it from cracking? Should I poke holes in the newspaper so it can get a little air or leave it alone?It's wrapped with 2 pieces of newspaper.
Donny

[Steve Schlumpf]

Donny - after DNA and wrapping the wood, not much more you can do other than be patient. Hope it works out for you! Only other suggestion would be to rough out the lid - leaving some extra wood to allow for truing it up once dry. That would eliminate a lot of the bulk when it comes time to dry.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Ditto what Steve said. I would cut a small 1/2" to 3/4" hole in both side for drying. Let it sit and dry.