White Cedar Help

[Toby Bouder]

I just picked up a truckload of White Cedar, anyone have experience as to drying rough-outs and or what finish to use on the final piece? The larger pieces in the photo are about 18" in diameter. I roughed a bowl from a quarter-sawn pith removal section just to see how it would turn, 6 1/2" by 2". Any other quirks that I should know about this wood?

[Baxter Smith]

I turned a half dozen bowls a couple years ago. Just let them dry in paper bags for 6 months or so. I used Antique Oil on a couple and Poly on others. The wood is very soft so you have to be careful powersanding or you will get ridges and depressions in the side grain pretty easily.