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Don't mean to be redundant for those who know my story... I went ahead and baked a sample of the fir at 200 deg. for 2 hrs. It came out well with only one or two droplets of resin every sqare inch or so. It stayed perfectly flat. I'm planning on baking the real thing tonight (maybe with the pizza to give it that "old world" flavor)

Now the question... what about the backs, sides and neck? I've seen a few references to baking these as well, but sounds like most agree it's only for tops.  The wood I have for B/S and neck is white oak, reclaimed from a 70 year old corn crib.

Should I have it kiln dried? Is there a way to do this myself (in a hot box perhaps)??

Or should I just sticker it over winter?

I'm anxious to get started but don't want to jump in blindly 

Thanks for the help and inspiration,

J.R.

J. R., a kiln is used to dry green wood, fresh cut wood. I'm willing to bet your oak is pretty well seasoned.

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Aoibeann

The trick with a thicker piece of wood (neck) is that you'd be case hardening it. The outside would dry really fast and the core wouldn't. From there, it would be under tension and if you machine it in any way it would warp.

Thinner pieces can be dried all the way through in the oven. I think most only do tops because there is the most benefit to be gained there, but backs and sides should dry out just as well. If it's not air/kiln dried before it goes in the oven, then I think it's a recipe for some serious checking.

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Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

A luthier from Brazil told me that he irons BRW backs in a heated press, rather like a side bender, but flat, He said he has less subsequent cracking.

 Bob,

Does 70 years as a floor plank in a corn crib count as air drying? Or since I had it sliced up  is it considered green due to the fact that air is now hitting what's never seen the light of day?

I'm a little confused. I've always dealt only with prepared wood, ready to go. And never anything so thin before.

Thanks,

J.R.

you dont need to do any more drying of the`wood. if 70 years in a dry location doesnt do it, then I dont know what will.

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Reguards,

Ken H

I agree with Bob from Saint Lutherie
Sticker the B & Sides!

Cut the neck as close to it's final demensions and let it rest where air will flow all around for a few weeks.
If it doesn't go crazy it's a go with using it.
Then make a gitar!
Mike

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Mike Collins

I would think the 70 years of use a flooring this wood is well seasoned and dried.

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