Randy, my dad cut down a cedar tree and made things from it when I was a girl. I don't remember a lot about it because I was a teenager then and had my mind on other things, but it seems like I remember he trimmed off all the branches and set the log on blocks in a sheltered area for about a year before he started cutting into it.

Hope this helps some. --Ilene

Old latex paint always works for me. It don't much matter if it has been frozen or not. I just stick my un-gloved hand in there and slather it on the ends and all the future knot-holes (branch stubs).

Let it season under cover, and off the ground for a year or two (an airy shed or barn loft maybe?), and you will be fine.

Now milling it out?

That is a whole different story. A lot of saw-mills won't touch it. Might be some nails or wire in it.

I mill most of my stuff with a chainsaw. You just have to file your chain different and have a big enough saw because ripping is tough on a saw.

You're on the right track with the drying it slowly though.