The wood has been dried for 4 years. It is about 10 inches long, 3&3/4 inces wide, It has no chips or cracks, but there are one or two worm holes in it. No big problem though. I have basically removed all of the soft wood that was around the heart. I have availiable several things in my schools woodshop class. Table saw, band saw, several drills, a wide variety of bits. I also have access to a lathe.