Thanks everyone. Bill, I cut this stave and immediately split it/sealed the ends, then let it sit in my parents garage for the portland winter, which was probably at 35 degrees and 95% RH! So, no checking there, but maybe no drying either. About 3 months later I reduced it to floor tiller and then let it sit for another month or two inside, and then started working on it. No problems with checking at all, it was really easy to work, at least compared to seasoned ocean spray!
