Dead Cherry tree - Spindle turning

[TDeal]

We have a cherry tree that died (didn't come out this Spring) which came as a transplant from my wife's Grandmother's place. I thought it would be nice to use some of the limbs (2-4" diameter) to do some spindle turning to make small vases (what Mike Peace calls "weed pots"). Would these limbs be dry enough to turn and finish now, or should they be cut and stored to allow them to dry. Would anything turned now be likely to crack/split? Thanks for any help from more experienced turners.

 

[Steve Martin]

My experience is that cherry will almost always experience splitting, especially when the pith is left in the piece. In other words, to do spindles with the least chance of splitting, split the branch to eliminate the pith, then turn the shapes out of the quarters. So you will need to start with larger pieces. Good luck!

 

[TDeal]

Good to know - Thanks Steve!