Sparky the black walnut was from a 150 plus year old tree that got knocked in a storm milled about 2 1/2 years ago and strides outside under a tarp with spacers every foot on every 10 foot board. I bought 10 boards for $200 and stored in in the garage again with spaces every foot for the last year. The tree was at our church a d they are selling the wood as a fund raiser and still have a lot left. Most of the thick 2inch is gone to furniture maker guys and also most of the quarter cut is gone if anyone wants any send me a pm and I will get you the info. I plan on doing the work in the garage I the next month or so. Depends on rest of bed work. I have all 4cross members from original bed one is broken but rest are ok. If you need measurements let me know. FYI this truck was in a barn on the last registered farm in cook county Chicago il. It was parked in 82 I bought in 97. Dave s

 

Dave, Sounds like you've seasoned this wood perfectly for furniture work, but maybe a bit too dry for outdoor projects. You might think about moving the bed wood into the environment it's going to live the rest of it's life in, for a couple of weeks before you begin the machine work necessary.

 

Thanks- I will do that- I assume it will be best to cover it with a loose tarp. dave s

 

Right Dave, the wood doesn't need to get wet, it just need to pick up a little moisture content.