Any wood turners in here ?

[gnihcraes]

A friend of mine said she lost a bunch of branches from her elm tree after this last storm, some measuring up to 4 inches in diameter. She didn't know what to do with the wood since she doesn't have a wood-burning fireplace so I had suggested letting the wood dry out and then cutting some cross sections for use as trivets and coasters but I was also thinking woodworkers might be interested in it for making peppermills, candlesticks, and such. Am I wrong about that? If I'm right, are there any tips on what she should do in terms of curing or drying the wood properly?

Can be done, but I believe the ends of the cuts sections need to be sealed with wax or similar then let it dry - otherwise it will check/split and be of not much use depending on what you're trying to use the wood for.

[Mercula]

I've got a 4" chunk of locust that I just used white glue to seal the ends , as advised by a wood working friend.