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Process for drying Wood

B

bassmasta94

Jul 21, 2009
118
0
32
Connecticut
#1
Hey guys, i am thinking about doing a build for my senior project, and was taking into account the wood if i were to use it from a tree, that i would cut down. Would i need some special drying methods? I have no knowledge of this process, so any information would be helpful.
THanks
 
#2
A freshly cut tree will be full of water, depending on the species. Regardless, it will be wet, as woods go. The best thing would be to have it kiln-dried.

If you don't know anyone with a kiln and don't feel like trying to make one, you should wax the ends of the boards that you cut right away with HOT (and I mean HOT, not just melty-warm) paraffin wax or other good wax. Then you can let these air dry in a dry place (like your closet, under your bed... ) for up to 1 year per inch of thickness of the wood.

You could also try forcing hot air over them with a space-heater, but if the ends aren't waxed the wood will dry too quickly and will check (crack).

-Dave
 
#3
Also, if you are planning on cutting round logs and storing them that way, it really is better to go ahead and quarter saw them and cut out the middle heart of the wood. Everyone I have talked to about logs says the middle ALWAYS crack up...and that has been my experience as well, even waxed.
 
#4
ive been building a bass for my A level (like english high school) and i've found that sourcing the wood from the tree is pretty much useless, for decent wood it has to be dried for a number of years which of-course isn't possible of you're on a tight time scale. you're better off getting some wood from a decent tonewood/hardwood specialist (plenty of links around here)
 

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