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I'm having trouble find stainless steel slats here were i live..

i've found slats of galvanized steel and other of aluminium.

Does anyone use them? do you know if this steel is harmless for our precious wood?

thank you!

bolix

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everything you know is wrong

Galvanized and aluminum will leave gray staining on the wood. Also aluminum wont spring back. Better off buying the proper stainless or you will problably regret it.
Terry...

I have used aluminium before with no problems.I do use wet paper between the wood and slats though.Spring back isn't always good unless you have a way to lock down the bottom slat.Aluminium won't spring back an crack your side like spring steel.But i like spring steel the best.I just lock down the bottom slat when i release the side from the bender.

I've heard that galvanized can give off toxic fumes (zinc oxide?) when heated. A bender might not be hot enough to do it though.

I prefer spring steel and have never had any problems due to the spring-back, even on cutaways. The fact that it stays flat is helpful, in my book. Easier to load the sides and it provides good waist support.

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http://www.chassonguitars.com

I've been using a pair of galvanised slats as a temporary measure for the last 5 years now without a problem at all. I wrap the sides in old fashioned blotting paper,one layer on the inside and two on the outside.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Chopper