Cholla Cactus wood

[Barrett]

Anyone have experience with drying it out for art/handles? I’ve read it needs to die and dry on its own but surely there’s a way to diy. Heard folks say to put in box in sun but I have a piece that weighs about 80 lbs and 8 feet tall. Freshly cut down I forgot to mention.

[Big Lee]

Keep off the dirt. It will re root and grow again. Needs to be elevated arrid, dry, sunlit environment.

[Barrett]

Thanks
Thinking about hanging it up on porch to dry out

[helibow]

I've got some I picked up last month on a hike north of Taos NM. They are the perfect size for turning pens. I will encase them in resin, under pressure, and then turn them. I have to imagine if the piece is big enough, you could cut/shape them for knife handles, grips, etc.