Memories.........
Several yonks ago I made a batch of 'goodies' from a plank of 'Jettywood' for sale in a riverside gift shop. The owner told me later that she had spent several weeks seeking the source of a slight but persistant stink that permanently filled the shop. She only discovered the culprit as she was wrapping the largest of my pieces for its new owner. By then most of the pieces had been sold so I still break out in a cold sweat when I think how many holiday suitcases full of smelly clothes were discovered after return home.
If you need to risk this kind of fun such planks can be found on the banks of Breydon Water, inland of Great Yarmouth. FOR FREE!!!!
Another thought......
If your 'Pierwood' has been in salt water for a century or more wont it be full of salt and always remain wet from attracting moisture from the air. I think there's a fancy name for this aquaphobic, or something?
Brian