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The last thread focused mostly on dehumidifiers for keeping the workshop dry enough for working and gluing. I've got he opposite problem in winter - my steam heat system (radiators, so a whole house humidifier on forced air isn't an option) gets cranked up and really dries the house out in winter. Does anyone else have this issue? What is your fix? Thanks.

I have the problem, but it is rather smaller: I live in a huge house ( ) and heating it is rather costly, I can't crank it up too much. But I still see the humidity going down in the 30's often so the fix is to put trays with water on the radiators. Not elegant but costs nothing (and also makes the air healthier I think - extra dry air is not great) and it's just enough to get app. 45%.

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Build log

Try the trays, but be alert for condensation on the walls if the insulation is not very good. I lived in a house in Chicago years ago that got ice forming on the walls from condenstation.

I love my Ventasonic humidifier!

The key to humidity control is a well-sealed room. And yes, condensation can be a problem if your insulation and/or windows aren't good enough.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

I kill two birds with one stone. I installed a separate furnace that I got for free in the basement shop. The floor drain is 2/3 the way across the house and I never bothered installing a line to the drain. I just kept a bucket for the condensation line there that I had to empty every few days. At the same time I was running humidifiers that I had to constantly fill up. One day it dawned on me, just drill a hole in the $12 Vicks vaporizer and run the drain in there. I watched it closely to see if it would run dry or overfill. It ended up evening out just right. No more filling humidifiers and emptying buckets.

Zach -

Cool setup!

Todd - thanks - I just ordered one. As for a well sealed room, gotcha. I'm certain that this is much of my problem. (Cinderblock walls on one side - particle board on the other.) Anyway, I'll try that humidifier. Thanks.

I also use a humidifier in the winter to keep the proper level while building as i have electric baseboard heating in my assembly room and it tends to dry it out.The only thing i don't like is keeping it full of water.But it does keep me at 45% all winter for building.

I just met Wayne Henderson this weekend in Denver, and he gave a small talk about building guitars. The question of humidity came up. He said he bought a cheap Vic's vaporizer, took the top off and put it in a piece of donut styrofoam and let it float in a big metal barrel. I suppose a 5 gallon bucket would work too. This seems dangerous to me, be he must have some way of stopping the top from flipping over and causing a short in your electrical line. He didn't get into specifics, but it did seem like the cheapest method I've heard. He said he adds some salt to the water too. Not sure why. Anyway, hope that helps someone.

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Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

Man, that sounds just right!!

I'd have liked to have met Wayne. Ever since I read the Clapton book, I've been dying to meet the guy. Yeah, that sounds like a pretty good solution, as long as you don't stick your finger in the water at the wrong time........

Thanks for the tips.