Cedar cracking?

[Ross Lowry]

Hello All.
I was given some cedar logs from a person that cut down there tree about a week before I received it.
There was some cracks in the ends so I cut the cracks out, roughed them down to various sizes squared, largest being 6.25" and smallest being 1.875".
Then I sealed the ends with wax and about three days after doing this the cracks came back?
The wood was stored in my shed.
I live in KS and it has been pretty hot here lately, in the 100's and dry.
So after they started cracking again I sealed up three sides and left one side to dry from and put them in my basement.
So far this has worked.
Anyone have any ideas on why this happened or how I can prevent this next time?
Maybe the wood was to thick?
Thanks,
Ross

[Cody Colston]

Maybe the wood was to thick?

I'd say maybe you are right. Cedar is notorious for cracking. I've had Cedar bowls crack while holding them.

Over time, your stock may warp with one face unsealed due to uneven drying. I think you would be better off sealing the end grain and about 4 inches up on the long grain. You will have some checking to cut off when dried but the stock should dry much straighter.

Of course, that's just my opinion and I'm sure one or two of the experts here might disagree. ;)

[Kendall Landry]

Your shed was too hot. The wood was drying too fast.

[Ross Lowry]

Thank you for your comments!