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Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 149
Location: New York, NY | There is a tree in my folks' back yard which died and had to be taken down. I asked them to have the trunk cut into 2.5-3 foot sections in hopes that I can use the wood to make one (or more) guitar bodies. It's a beautiful old ash tree with lots of knots so it should make for an interesting body.
I know I need to make sure the wood is good and dry before using it but I'm not sure how to go about it. I'm debating either leaving it outside for a period of time or tossing it in their basement where there is a de-humidifier. Does anyone have any experience with wood drying and know if either of these options would work? Or who can suggest another method (other than kiln drying 'cause I don't have access to a kiln)?
Thanks,
JT |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 15
Location: ny | There is a youtube video from taylor guitars where they talk about how they dry there wood. I would think that your basement would work up to a point and then you might even need to use your oven. try to find the taylor v ideo the end up "cooking their wood. |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | There's got to be a lumber place somewhere in the nyc area that will store and dry the wood for you. I know there's a place down here that'll do it. |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | strip the bark, leave it under cover outside off the ground for a coupla of years.
If you want to mill it then dry it, there are likey local mills and wood kilns... |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | I know of a sawmill in SussexCounty, NJ . . . probably about an hour from NYC . . . if y'really wanna haul a big ol' heavy chunk of wood that far . . . |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | JT, I envy your perseverence and patience!
"It should be ready in THREE YEARS!"
Cool project, tho' |
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Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 149
Location: New York, NY | Thanks for the responses all. I think I'll look into a kiln drying place in the area. If not, I'll have to wait the time.... but I know it will be worth it.
I know you all will be waiting excitedly (for the next 3 years) and I promise to post pics when it's done! :D ;)
Cheers,
JT |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3618
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | I have had several pieces of black walnut drying in my garage for the past 10 years. One plank may be suitable for solidbodies. The rest were band-sawed to 1", all about 48" long. Shipping would be a b**ch, but if anybody's interested..... |
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OT: Drying wood for a guitar body