End coatings

[Qweaver]

I remember from a woodworking class back in the 60s that at one time
ethylene glycol (antifreeze)was used to prevent checking in the end grain of
fresh sawn lumber.  I have been using it on poplar that I have been sawing
all summer and it seem to work OK, but I still get some cracking, especially
in one inch boards, and wonder what the best/economical/readily available
product is.  I can buy antifreeze anywhere but I'll have to order and wait
on shipping for another product.
TIA
QL

[fencerowphil (Phil L.)]

Try this thread:

http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=8206.0

or this 'un:

http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=7384.0;all

PHil L.

[Brad_S.]

Welcome to the forum.
Turners use PEG (Poly Ethelyn glycol or something like that) to keep their bowls from cracking apart but I am not aware of anyone using it to prevent end checking. I didn't follow the links Phil gave you but I'm sure somewhere in there the name Anchorseal comes up. That's what most use and it's worth the cost and the time spent to apply it

[Qweaver]

I appreciate the replies and I am going to order some anchorseal but I must add that I have cut a heap of wood this past summer and treated it all with ethylene glycol and I have very little checking.  I,m sawing right now and will have to continue treating it this way until the anchorseal arrives...but this is not a problem since it seems to work OK. 
QL

[fencerowphil (Phil L.)]

     One thing you have discovered, Q, is that Yellow Poplar is
a sweet wood.  In other words, even the least bit of help and
it will dry nicely.  (Of course, I have assumed you mean Lireodendron
Tulipifera, real Yellow Poplar.)

On the other hand many hardwoods will end split like crazy
without the help of a real end seal.

The principle behind the ethylene glcol end treatment is different
from the one behind end sealers.   The E.G.  is hygroscopic - it
attracts moisture.   It makes the ends keep some moisture.
An end sealer on the other hand is preventing evaporation.
As you can see..., two differing means to a similar objective.
Another point in regard to the E.G. is that on White Oak, for example
(Quercus Alba - the "real" white oak) that chemical would evaporate
 before the White Oak began to really dry.  Because
of this, such an ornery wood would begin to end check badly.

Poplar, Walnut, Black Cherry - oh yeah,  they are sweet in comparison.

Interesting how God designed so many woods with so many personalities, no?

Phil L.