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| Wood storage box for humidity control http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=19164 |
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| Author: | ozziebluesman [ Sun Oct 12, 2008 12:39 am ] |
| Post subject: | Wood storage box for humidity control |
Hello everyone, Some time ago I built a box from mdf board to store my guitars in during the building process. The box is approx 32" long x 28" wide x 20" high. I used some absorbing gel packs in the box to try and control the humidity levels in the box. It wasn't all that successful. Has anyone on the forum used a biox or a cuboard to control humidity levels? I have read a few forum posts on the subject but the info is limited. I need info like dose the box need to be vented and where in the box? I have seen someone use a computer fan installed in the top of the box to suck out the moist air. Anyone use this idea? Also some insulate the box. Thats sort of makes sense because you don't have to use a high wattage globe as the insulation will hold the heat in the box. Thanks for you attention and hope to hear some good advice from you all. Cheers Alan |
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| Author: | Link Van Cleave [ Sun Oct 12, 2008 9:50 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wood storage box for humidity control |
Alan, I am going to have to do the same thing. I asked this a month back didn't get any advise on a box other than do something else. I have built a box to keep bamboo fly rods dry during the building process. They are like guitars in their need to be built at controled humidity levels. I also used this box to help cure varnish on the flyrods. I don't think you need to insulate. You are not trying to get it hot you are just trying to mantain the 45 % humidity in the box. A few light bulbs, a termostate, hygrometer and maybe a timer is all you would need. I plan on having a few racks to hold parts etc. and the light bulbs underneath. I want it big enough to hold a completed guitar body plus parts. A few holes in the top and bottom to let air circulate. I asked because I was hoping someone had done it so I didn't have to do as much work to figure out what size light bulbs, venting etc. It will all depend on the size of the box, how its vented, how many light bulbs, how long they stay on etc. It will take some tweeking. Good luck, Link |
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| Author: | Frei [ Sun Oct 12, 2008 11:21 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wood storage box for humidity control |
Yes, I use custom homemade plastic bags with duct tape, 4 mill poly drop cloths, and a humidity gauge for storage when it gets too high. You can get the bags on ebay, get at least 4 if not 6. Someone always sells 6 for $20.00, then send me one more!  It needs to be airtight, so you can take the bags and place them in the box. I have to use this method to get the wood to the same degree right now. |
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| Author: | ozziebluesman [ Sun Oct 12, 2008 4:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wood storage box for humidity control |
Thanks Link for your input. Seems i'm on the right track with my design. It will be a matter of tweaking the ilet and outlet vents and adjustments to the the globe wattage via the dimmer to achieve the right environment. Frei your system sounds unique. Long as it works dosen't matter how you go about it. I live in the Tropic's here in Oz so the humidity thingie is a big issue regard guitar building. Last week we had humidity levels of 50% and this week the thunderstorms are threatening and it's now 75%. So the weather changes week by week. Once the wet season starts in December the moisture levels in the air will be very high. Six months of the year it is great for guitar building here but six months is no good! Thanks everyone for you patience as I know this subject has been discussed many times. Cheers Alan |
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| Author: | Bruce Dickey [ Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:37 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wood storage box for humidity control |
Most of us use electric humidifiers and dehumidifiers Alan. Dehumidification in a small closet could be accomplished with a light bulb. Humidification could be accomplished with a pan of water. I use electronic RH guages to monitor. Even if they are not spot on they get you in the ballpark. Lately in my shop I've been dumping a couple gallons of water every three to four days. And the shop has plastic four walls and ceiling under the sheetrock. I do open the shop when sanding though, which introduces moisture during the day, dehumidifier grabs the excess overnight. |
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| Author: | David Newton [ Mon Oct 13, 2008 9:34 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wood storage box for humidity control |
Hi. I have used a drying cabinet for some time, which is a tall storage cabinet with a low wattage light bulb at the base. I don't think you need fans to circulate air, just a small hole at the side or door low down and up high, the heat convection moves the air. That said, with the Gulf Coast humidity at 70-80% outside, the box may have lowered the MC of the wood, but did nothing to keep my work space dry, and I've gone to a good de-humidifier and run it constantly. I'm much more satisfied with the results. It is a Soleus unit. I still use the box for storage of guitars in progress, but no longer run the light. |
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| Author: | ozziebluesman [ Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Wood storage box for humidity control |
G'day Bruce and Dave! Yeah most use dehumidifiers here in th Oz as well however i'm just a hobby beginner builder and just wanted a controlled area to store the work in progress. I can glue up in the house which is airconditioned. I have plans to turn the laundry which is a 10 by 12 foot room into my workshop at some stage in the future. For now, the box will have to do the job! Thanks for your interest and advice! Cheers Alan |
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