I am new to this so here are my question(s). I’m starting to build stools with a horse saddle as a seat and was wondering if I can use a green silver maple log half for the top? The log size is 20” long and about 10” thick in the middle. The legs of the stool are already dried so there would be no shrinking on that end. But can I use a green half log as the top? It would be hidden by the saddle, so beauty is not a concern. I would be attaching the legs using tenons and glue as well. Also looking for the most effective finish/sealant if I am able to use a green log for this project.

Hi Emilee
can you post a photo or drawing of your projects ?
I was looking at a "well used" saddle at my feed store last week
and it is a work of art with LOTS of tooling in the leather.
I will probably go tomorrow and buy it - it is just a work of art.
and no, I do not ride horses LOL - I just appreciate the sport.
If I do get the saddle, I will build a display stand for it - it is just that nice.
anyway - as for your woodwork.
green wood brought into the home presents some issues.
such as bugs inside the wood that can destroy your project.
I would not put any kind of coating on green wood just as my personal choice.
I would wait a few weeks for it to at least dry some.
of course if you do some experimenting, then you will know what your local
environmental conditions will let you do. (which is strongly advised).
looking forward to seeing some of your projects.

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Green wood needs the end grain sealed to control shrinking. Woodturners often use anchor seal or similar waxy substances. You might trim the ends beyond current cracking then seal it.


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Here are some pics of what I intend the piece to look like. I’m also going to be making a more modern one with a metal base for smaller English type saddles. But I’m pretty sure I’ll have to figure another mounting option for those.

Those look really cool, Emilee! How many are you planning to build, or will this be an ongoing project?

David

I’m planning on making these and others as a side business. I show horses from spring to fall, so I’ve got an in with potential buyers. I thought might as well try to make a few bucks while I’m at the shows. Just for reference for anyone interested in making their own; you can buy pretty cheap used saddles off eBay.

Personally, I don’t see why the entire project couldn’t be made with green wood. The design assures that the stand won’t fall apart or create significant problems as the wood dries.