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Drying wood...
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Author:  Rusty [ Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Drying wood...
He guys - first timer here. I look forward to learning from all of you and would like to start with a simple question..
When building an electric guitar, is there a need to dry the wood to a certain degree like when building acoustics? And if so - could you clue me in?

Thanks
Author:  Corky Long [ Wed Jun 24, 2009 1:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Drying wood...
Hey -

Haven't built any electrics, but I'm pretty certain the principles are the same. You don't want to build with wood until it's very stable. While I've built an acoustic with wood that was relatively young, by stickering it after I cut it to about 125 thou, I was able to dry it relatively quickly without cracking, checking, etc.

I'd imagine you've got a bigger challenge with the thickness of your wood on an electric. Thicker wood - longer to air dry.

Is your plan to build with wood that you've milled yourself?

Others will have better info - but if in doubt, I'd make sure it's very dry
Author:  Rusty [ Wed Jun 24, 2009 1:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Drying wood...
Corky Long wrote:

Is your plan to build with wood that you've milled yourself?

Others will have better info - but if in doubt, I'd make sure it's very dry

I just picked up some Mahogany and maple, which has been kiln dried. I will be cutting from rough stock off the rack. I will be routing the body to give weight relief which should make the drying time quicker hopefully. I live in northern California where the air is relatively dry, and at this time of year we should be in the 80's and 90's for a few months.
But who knows - I could be way off here since I've never built an instrument before... ;)
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