Green wood question

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

So maybe my load of bargain wood wasn't such a bargain after all. Here's what happened, I mounted a small block to turn a bowl. Nothing fancy, this was my attempt to rough one out and let it dry a little. Anyway, after shaping the outside I turned it around to work on the inside...then it sat on the lathe for a few days (3) while I took care of life's necessities. So I come back to do some more work on it and these cracks appeared on the outside. There is another set much like this 180 degrees on the other side. So, is this something that just happens sometimes? I was able to stick a feeler gauge blade into one and it's about 3/8" deep. Now, this is just a practice piece so I haven't lost anything but I'm curious if I'll face this with a lot of the chucks I bought.

[HandyDan]

You should have wrapped it in plastic to keep the moisture in.  Leaving it on the lathe runs the risk of a rusty chuck too.  I speak from experience.  I am amazed at how quickly it happens.

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

I was in the shop when I read your reply, so I removed it from the chuck immediately. I got it off quick enough I guess, there isn't any rust. I was wondering about rust on the lathe ways and so on, I've been very careful to sweep the shavings off all the unfinished parts after I've turned some.

[Gordon]

Like @HandyDan said or re coat with anchor seal but I think best if you can finish your rough cuts the same day. For now, you can fill with CA glue and call it character lines.  

[lew]

All excellent advice @Fred W. Hargis Jr! As soon as the piece has been rough turned, you cab gather up the shaving into a cardboard box, paper bag or other container. Then put the rough turned piece into the shavings. Letting it dry slowly in the shavings will lessen the chance of cracks. @Gordon's comment, along with the shavings will add an extra margin of crack prevention.

[Gerald]

All so very true. I do not like to even think of leaving anything on the lathe for 3 days (even sealed) unless it was dry wood. No harm with a practice piece but some valuable lessons learned. 

[RustyFN]

It is best to rough turn and finish at one time then seal. It cracked because you let it set for three days unsealed. If you cover it with plastic don’t cover the Chuck, it will rust.