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How to straighten a wooden shaft

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Bootthrower:
It is reasonably green still. I'll try that! Thanks!

Pat B:
Let it dry first. Reasonable dry isn't enough.

Bootthrower:
Actually the whole shaft looks much straighter today! Maybe I just needed to step away for a moment to realize it wasn't that much of a bend, or perhaps it tensed up a bit as I worked it and then relaxed again during the night. Either way I don't think I'll have to do much at all now to get it straight!

bigozzie:
listen to Pat B

let it dry, each time moisture content changes it will have a tendency to warp.  The shaft needs to be stabilized with the environment around it, most likely around 10% moisture.  That takes a surprising long time to achieve.  Once it is dry (stabilized) straighten it and leave it on a flat surface over night, and straighten again.  If it is straight the 3rd day seal it with your stain and poly or whatever you use.  The poly will slow any moisture change and hopefully limit the amount of warping.  If it is crooked again on the 3rd day build another one or you will fight straight forever with that one. 

if they lose moisture too fast they will warp out of control, the best is to dry it in stages, each time you remove material for size or shape let it dry before you remove more, if you trim it to size in one attempt it will likely warp out of control.

oz

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