Sticky Hands and the Lessons I Learned from Resawing Green Walnut on …

It’s surprising how, after three decades in woodworking, I could still be caught completely off guard by a simple, fundamental truth about the material I use every day. For thirty years, I primarily relied on kiln-dried lumber for my projects—either reclaimed wood that was already stable or new stock at that ideal 5% to 8% moisture content. I operated under the assumption that I knew wood.

But when nature presented an opportunity—a freshly trimmed walnut limb—I couldn’t resist. I decided to turn that beautiful branch into slabs. I honestly thought it would be simple. In fact, I speculated that the abundant moisture in the wood might even lubricate and smooth out the resawing process.

I was profoundly mistaken. The experience was messy, but it proved to be an invaluable lesson. While my story might caution some away from resawing green wood, for those who, like me, can’t bear…