I have some staves that are checking really bad on the ends.  As soon as I cut them, I gave them heavy coats of Shellac.  Could someone tell me why this is happening?

It just does. Cut them 80 plus inches long and you wont have to worry. Most of mine are even longer so I can shift the layout left and right if need be.

QuoteOriginally posted by PEARL DRUMS:
It just does. Cut them 80 plus inches long and you wont have to worry. Most of mine are even longer so I can shift the layout left and right if need be.

Sounds good, thanks for the info

I cut some white ash last summer that was peeled and sealed within 5 minutes of hitting the dirt, no joke. Every one of the dozen staves checked one ring deep across the whole back. I just chase a ring or two to get to a good back. Hackberry has never given me any issues, same with elm.