Wood drying
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- This topic has 8 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 2 months ago by foz68.
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Hello, I bought some 2×4 wood in fir and pine for a bench build. How long do I wait for the wood to dry before use. I bought it at a local Home Depot. It’s been about 5 days and I would like to start laminating the top. Is this reasonable or do I need to wait? Also, I was going to use Titebond11 wood glue which has a fast set time. Should I use a slower drying glue? Thanks, Jb
16 January 2016 at 2:44 pm #133937I would use a glue with a slow set time it will make it easier to manoeuvre the pieces of timber into alignment.
Secondary seasoning normally takes 14-20 days to ac climate to its new surroundings. I wouldn’t make a workbench out of anything with a moisture content of 20% or less. I think it should be okay, by the time you’ve laminated everything and surface planed it flush flat and square… it should be okay!
Preferably as dry as it is in your shop.
The wood will take up and release moisture which continuously varies al year round.
If your wood is too moist, chances are it’ll warp or split when drying. That’s why you’d want to acclimate your wood to the shop.
Also try to plane (surface prep) your glue sides and glue up the lamination the same day to minimize any chances of warp, bow… once glued up, there’s less chance of excessive deformation.
HTH Diego
18 January 2016 at 12:58 am #133973The reverse is also true, if it’s too dry and the environment it’s supposed to live in is more moist it can lead to glue joint failure over time.
I would say it’s certainly prudent to wait the 14days (or not). It’s not essential, I don’t secondary season anything that’s a shop project. But if I lived in a rather damp country and had kiln dried timber I think I would let them settle in the workshop first.
Hope that helps! If your wood was stored in a similar environment to your workshop (like if it’s under shelter but in an unheated area like a shed or garage, it will be fine) you need not secondary season.
18 January 2016 at 12:59 am #133974Joinery timber is always 20% moisture content or dryer. Furniture timber is even dryer.
Hi everyone, i have a similar question and thought it would be good to piggy back off this thread, hope that is ok.
I am also wanting to build a bench after being inspired by this fantastic resource by Paul.
We have had our fence recently replaced and the old fence had some 70cm square soft wood posts that are not in too bad a state. I have them in my cold garage on blocks thinking they might dry out. Some of the knots have some sap seeping out.
In terms of size, i thought they would be great for the legs of my workbench.
Could i ask, am i wasting my time with these, or could they be salvaged and if so, how long would you think for them to dry out here in damp England.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Andy
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