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I do not buy wood when I can find it with a small effort. One way to avoid many of the problems mentioned is easy if you know what to look for in wood. Choose totally dry wood that has weathered long enough for tannins to be removed by nature. Don't worry about the type or species of wood as it is not relevant when the wood is totally dry. Take a small folding saw along when looking for wood in nature. When you feel you have found one that appeals to you and looks dry, do a small test.
Cutting the end off will give you a look at how it has dried. Wood will dry from the outside inward.
This is cedar but totally dry all the way through and safe to use.
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The uniform color tells you that it has finished drying. That usually means all tannin is gone. A simple overnight soak in bleach water will sanitize it to kill any oil, pesticide, fungus or bugs. Let it dry and it is good to go.
But then searching for wood may not require a long walk in the woods. Keep your eyes open and there are many spots.
This is a Craigslist ad which has wood which may work quite well.
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Cutting the end off will give you a look at how it has dried. Wood will dry from the outside inward.
This is cedar but totally dry all the way through and safe to use.
The uniform color tells you that it has finished drying. That usually means all tannin is gone. A simple overnight soak in bleach water will sanitize it to kill any oil, pesticide, fungus or bugs. Let it dry and it is good to go.
But then searching for wood may not require a long walk in the woods. Keep your eyes open and there are many spots.
This is a Craigslist ad which has wood which may work quite well.
