My uncle recently brought me a few pieces of chestnut from a family farm in Pennsylvania. The pieces are from a branch that came down in a storm. Family folklore says it is a blight resistant American Chestnut that was planted by my great-great-great grandfather over the grave of one of his sons. Don't know if all of that is true, but it makes a good story. My Uncle has asked me to do some pieces for family members. Most of the logs area small diameter so I was thinking of doing end grain bowls or vases. What is my best chance of doing these without the pith cracking? I have no experience with doing end grain pieces like this. I've done some goblets but none with pith. Most of my bowl turning has been turn-dry-turn or turning dry stock. Any help would be appreciated. There was one 10" log which I roughed into two bowl blanks which are now drying. However there is a ring defect/crack in them. I am hoping to save them with CA.