How to Dry Guitar Wood Quickly
If your profession is to build guitars, then you know that every once in a while you are propositioned by a client to build their dream guitar. However, if they need it tomorrow, you're left with a quandary. You can tell them it will take longer and risk losing the sale, or you can take the challenge and look for ways to save time. In most cases, drying wood without a kiln takes months to accomplish, but when you're in a pinch, it can be done quickly by using a standard household oven.
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Instructions
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Place a cookie sheet on the lowest rack of the oven to shield your lumber from direct contact with the oven's heating element.
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Preheat your oven to a setting between 200 degrees and 220 degrees. 212 degrees is recommended but you may be limited in your selection options if your oven has a rotary dial instead of a digital read-out. The key is to take your time and use lower temperatures because it will prevent smoking, burning, excessive warping and cracking. Research specific drying temperatures for the lumber you want to dry. A good book to reference is "The Conversion and Seasoning of Wood: A Guide to Principles and Practice."
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Place the lumber directly on the cooking rack. Do not stack or allow pieces to touch each other. This will allow for even drying.
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Check the lumber every 15 minutes for the first two hours and then every hour to ensure proper drying. Flip the lumber during each check. Repeat this step until the lumber is completely dry. Using a moisture meter will help you determine when your lumber is adequately dry.
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Allow adequate time for the lumber to cool to the temperature of the room in which you are going to machine it.
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Tips & Warnings
Lumber to build guitars should have a humidity or moisture content of six to 10 percent.
The amount of drying time depends on how thick the lumber is. The thicker it is, the longer it will take to dry.
You need to know your lumber if you are going to dry it in your home. Many lumbers give off harmful gases when drying wood that can be fatal if ingested. Also, many pieces of lumber have low flash points, cracking points or drastically warp when dried under heat lamps or ovens. Researching your lumber's characteristics before attempting to dry your lumber in this manner will reduce the risk of injury or loss of lumber.
