Yes to above.
This is how I AIR-DRY.
I would normally rough cut my wet timber about 1.5” to 2” square if I’m going to use it for handles, then melt candle wax in a empty can and dip the ends to about 1”.
Rough cutting helps to dry out the timber quicker but remember the blanks will shrink, so allow some excess.
I weigh the pieces and record their weight and the date weighed on the individual pieces. As the pieces dry they weigh less and when there is no more change in weight, they will be about as dry as you going to get them. I use digital scales so as to note small weight changes.
In a warm dry airy position, I then layer stack the dipped timber, ½" or so apart to allow air flow.
I periodically weigh random pieces, after about 6 months, to see if all is going well. As 12 months approach, weigh more often.
The drying process should take about 12 months for a 1" thick piece, under ideal situations. Old "rule of thumb" is 12 months for every 1" thickness.
Cheers....Thev.