thanks again, everyone!....

yep HG, I have some little Pecan pieces right now...it had partially spalted, (fungus and bacteria turning it colors before it rots) and was kinda neat. I LOVE Love Oak...have been messing with some for years now, and it is even better when it spalts!..Magnolia, I don't think so...too soft and bland.

When I get wood that is likely to split at the ends..(as most will do) I use a commercial waxey stuff to coat the ends (even cheap paint when I'm desparate and the wood is special...the alternative is leaving it in longer pieces and just losing the ends.

As to whether I would like some of yours...well...*grin*...it is NOT real close, and I can't say when I'd be able to get it, and if it just lies there it will be in your way and eventually rot..(well..the Live Oak will last a LONG time...but...)...I 'may' (as in 27.0248% possible) drive to Fla. for the WoodCollectors meeting in Late Feb...but..$$$ and all that. So, don't worry about saving it ...I am up to ^here in wood anyway....(it is just hard to refuse good stuff!!)

continued discussion of possibilities??? Sure...ya' never know.