Treating splits in oak

[ear3]

I worked down some 8/4 white oak for some legs for a small dresser I'm making, and one of the pieces has these stress fractures/splits running along the face grain. The splitting was evident immediately after cutting the stock, and since I cut it a few days ago,it hasn't gotten any worse. The board remains as straight and true as when I dressed it. Is this something I should worry about, and maybe fill with epoxy of some sort (and if so, what kind?), or can I put some putty on it, sand, and be done with it? The split face won't actually even be showing, since it is from QSWO stock, and so I already mortises it so the QS face is facing forward, so theoretically I don't even have to putty it if no filling is needed.

 

[thudchkr]

I have some oak with the same surface checking on it. It has pretty much remained as is for years now. I ended up using it for the lower shelf of my workbench. If the face won't be visible, I'd say to go ahead and use it. It isn't likely for the checking to get any worse than it already is.

Good luck

Clint

 

[sancho57]

I don't usually do anything with checks like that. But if your going to stain it you could just fill it. I don't think the checks affect the strength of the wood. I haven't had any issues anyway.

 

[ear3]

Thanks guys.  I'll just leave the checking be then, since it won't be visible.

 

[nako]

The splits are most likely caused by the kiln dry process that was too aggressive.  Drying lumber too quickly can cause internal stress that is alleviated by the type of splitting seen in your photos.  I'm not a wood expert, but I believe oak has a tendency for this type of reaction to rapid drying due to its high water content when green and very long grain characteristics. A small amount of checking/internal splits will have very little consequence for structural integrity in applications where we typically overbuild for design esthetics and strength of material and this seems to be so in your case.  In short, the splits will not likely be a concern unless they are on the show face or edge.  Fill or not to fill is a cosmetic decision.