Recently, received (2) 40 inch wooden rounds (perp. cuts thru a tree trunk). I would like to work these into table tops, but I am not a wood craftsman. As a result, I'm turning to the group for guidance and advice.
The Story is that some 30 years ago, a 165 year old tree was killed by a steampipe break. As the men started to cut down this mighty white oak, my father had them cut him some 4 inch thick slabs. Once safely in our garage, he periordically poured ethylene glycol over the slabs - I can still remember the smell and sight of this process as a kid. Still in the first year or two, some checking began. So he put some epoxy into the emerging cracks, which I am sure helped arrest the process. In the last 20 years, the pieces have completely dried in the arid West. Today, the slabs have some surprisingly minor cracks, but none that threaten the stability.
My questions/concerns:
1) How can I end up with a nice table-flat surface?At the moment, the surfaces are chainsaw-rough. I am planning to use my belt sander to get to ultimate smoothness, but am worried that it may result in a "wavy" surface.
2) Suggestions on any cracks/voids - fill with... or leave'm alone? My father mentions something about using the sawdust for fill...Thanks in advance, Stumper