I am a Dave Smith Alky process user.
I have great success using it.
If price is an issue you can get a bunch of guys together and buy the Denatured Alcohol by the 55 gallon drum. Almost any Chemical supplier will be able to help you.
Here is one
http://www.brackinwholesale.com/node/5151
I don't do that, but I do buy mine at a local hardware store in 5 gallon quantities. Costs me $35 for 5 gallons. I use about 10 gallons a year.
I get mine at Aubuchon Hardware
http://paint-and-supplies.hardwarestore ... googlebase
As for the Two turnings pictured....I fear they are doomed to checking as is. Radial cracking will result as they dry further. It appears the wall thickness is not even and they are kinda thick for short time drying. All of that will probably result in adverse reactions. Of course not all wood reacts the same and you could get lucky (not probable) but technically possible.
One way you might be able to slow the drying rate down is to place the turnings in a plastic grocery bag. Every day pull the turned item out of the bag and turn bag inside out. Place the item back in bag and repeat every day until it stops losing weight. By flipping the bag you should stop any mold and slow the rate of drying.
In the future
Best bet is to section the log blank like this (|) along the grain of the log. Then turn the two sections. the result will be more stable.
Here is Bill Grumbine's article on harvesting turning wood.
http://www.wonderfulwood.com/articles/logcutting.html
Good Luck, Keep turning.
---Nailer---
_________________
No regrets, just some interesting results.
email:
nailed_nailer@yahoo.com