more bowl drying questions

At what point is waxing or other methods used to slow drying not needed? For example, if I rough turn a bowl that is 15% MC does it need to be sealed? Since it is nearing it's lower end, is there still a chance that it will crack before it hits 10%?

Thanks, Brian

Reply to
Brian Blazer
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When you can slow loss from the surface enough to maintain a mild gradient from the interior.

Sometimes positional control of relative humidity is all that's required. Arch lives in Florida and stores his stuff where it's damp. Great for preserving a high MC. You would think it would be tough to get those conditions in the great white north, except that we often have basements here. In the summer, it's a great way to go. Come winter, with heat and the cold outside, it's possible to hit 4% MC. Not a great way to go. Best to take some additional humidity control measures.

Second best thing you can do, after reading about how wood dries, is to invest in a hygrometer. That way you can find or create the optimum places, use them instead of other methods, and demystify the drying process.

Last, wood is never proof against cracking. It gains/loses through seasons and conditions, and a weakness never observed can open in a day. Can't prevent it, but you sure can cause it by poor humidity control.

Reply to
George

I may be mistaken, but I was under the assumption that wood was under the greatest stress when drying from a MC of ~ 30% to 15%. It is because of this assumption that I thought that wood < 15% may not need additional measures to keep the drying process slow.

Thanks for your response, Brian

Reply to
Brian Blazer

most of the chance of splitting does come at the start of the process, and it your wood is already down to 15% i would think that it is less likely to split but not certain. since all woods start with a different moisture content it would depend on which wood you are using as to how stable it is at 15% - also as previously mentioned it also depends on the conditions of your location and drying conditions. a log at 15% left out in the baking sun will still split. i would continue to wax - why not ? but experiment yourself and see what happens - it is the only way you will now if it is worth the risk.

Reply to
geoff_tulip

Shrinkage is linear. Loss of 1% MC results in the same shrinkage high or low end.

The gradient can, of course be much steeper is there's more moisture available, which is why you should maintain better control at higher MC.

Reply to
George

oops, I forgot fruit woods! apple, pear etc also make good food safe woods for treen

radio_ranch "it's a scientific lifestyle"

Reply to
nulli null

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