how to cure raw wood

[Overmountain]

I was given some birch burl ,that was dried in a micro wave not long after it was taken down. I was told to start with an oversize for scales or block for a hidden tang. Give the wood just a couple of minutes at a time several times. It sure caused the pieces I received to wrinkle. I still have them on hand. They had a lot of soft spots I didn't want to fill. Frank

Edit: Had a 'soapbox moment here,' but just don't put wood in the microwave... It isn't the proper way to dry wood...

 

[Britt_Askew]

So I have access to a a kiln used for drying lumber. It is a large warehouse style, and my buddy said he could easily put some small blocks of wood in the kiln. He said they usually have the lumber in there for 1-2 weeks at a time. Would this be a good idea for drying my handle materials. I have some Koa and amboyna that I would like to dry out faster.

Depending on your current moisture % I think you could be taking a chance of cracking your Koa and Amboyna. It is usually recommended not to mix different kinds of wood in the same kiln load. Some woods like maple will have the kiln set to remove water fast while if it is loaded with oak it will be set up to remove water very slowly. and if you remove the water from wood to fast it will develop cracks.