Might it be best to just store a whole 2' section of trunk (HEAVY!!!)
in the garage for a couple of years, allow whatever checking there's going
to be to occur on the cut ends while the rest is held together, then cut
a slice from the middle? Or is that just going to release pent-up tension
and invite cracking?  The local sawmill was no help; they just do lumber.
   Chris Bobbitt     [log in to unmask]