Last winter I was given some red oak 3x5 that was center cut that I cut into braces. On my last post I was advised to stay well away from the heart of the timber, Thank you, the rest I will. I have noticed that the braces have shrunk, not longitudialy but in width and height. The braces are now a little loose. The end of the tenon now hits on the berring surface inside the mortice and is no longer a 90 degree with the 45 degree sholder. Is this normal with red oak or because I used center cut or green wood? Should I let my new 3x5 stock dry for a month or so before cutting? Thanks John...