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Tips
on How to Take Care of your
Fine Exotic Hardwoods
We recommend
kiln-dried (kd) woods in the manufacture of fine furniture or
cabinets. KD woods have a lower moisture content than air-dried
wood, so they are more stable, and won't be as prone to surface checking
and end checking.
The process of
bringing the moisture content down in air-dried woods can be a
challenge. The goal of course is to dry the wood without drying it
so quickly that it cracks or "checks". One way to go about
it is to dry wood in stages. That is, instead of working from
beginning to end in one session, break up the process. For example, to
turn pens from a thicker board, split the board down into two thinner
boards. In a few days cut blanks. A few days later rough the
blanks out a bit. Then finally turn it down to a finished
dimension. Make a few days or week or even month process out of it.
In the process
remember to seal freshly exposed surfaces (especially the ends), even if
you are only walking away from your project for an hour or two. We
recommend "Anchorseal", especially if you are in a mountain or
desert area, where humidity is low. Another trick is to store the
wood in a plastic bag during the drying process. Throw some shavings
or sawdust in the bag along with the wood, and the drying will be even
more controlled. The idea is to slow down the evaporation.
Store wood in a cool
area. Avoid direct sunlight. Use new sandpaper and low machine
speeds to help reduce surface friction and heat which causes surface
cracks. Use successively finer grades of paper. If surface
cracks should develop, repair them with "Hot Stuff" available in
any specialty wood or model store.
"Babysitting"
some of your more problematic air-dried woods can raise the yield to
85%-100%. If you're working with Snakewood, expect about a 50% yield,
even if you do everything perfectly. Ending up with a perfect piece
of Snakewood without cracks requires a little luck. Even so, if
you're willing to be patient and to make a process of it, you will end up
with works of art that will last a lifetime and longer.
One a more official
note, wood returns must be postmarked within 7 days of receipt and before
any cutting has been done. Practice safe woodworking habits using
dust makes, eye protection, and gloves to avoid injury. We accept no
liability for use of our woods.
WOODWORKING
PROJECTS START & END
WITH WOOD. USE ONLY THE BEST. |
