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I received a package of Split brace wood from Alaska Specialty today and was curious how it should be stored? Do I sticker and stack it? Also, how long before I can use it?

Thanks,
Scott

I would suggest it depends when you need them, and how much space you have with humidity controlled.
I would be tempted to split the bigger chunks it into roughly equal sized pieces equivalent to the smaller sizes (see this post http://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopi ... ce#p333897), and leave as many as you think you may need at a time in your humidity controlled area/shop so air can circulate through the pile.
Obviously the smaller the chunk, the less time to dry.
Weigh them and write the weights on each billet - you can reweigh them now and again until no more weight loss is recorded, then they are dry.

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

Sorry Flipo...me gotts to disagree.

If you know the wood to be properly dried. Then yes Flipo is right.

However you did not provide us with that information ...so the correct answer for us is to not assume anything. Therefor, best to seal the ends immediately and rack it up. Spruce air dries at the rated of one inch per year.

Of course you could always break it out first to rough dimensions and then rack it, which would take about 3 months for a really safe bet. Yes using it in a few weeks is possible...but then I'd bet you'd likes a game of poker with the boys. Theres safe and theres sorry.

Now wood me break it out and rack it...no.. and the why no is really a blessing to me...see wood like that is considered kindling in these parts and the mills just be too happy for you to help yerself. And if you heat with wood well gee, there always at least a cord or two of that stuff around back dried or drying. And yes, me be grateful for that.

By the way Scott, thats really nice looking grain in that wood they sent you from Alaska. Maybe me sh'ld order some too.


blessings
?adma

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The ends are not sealed. What should I seal it with and where do I get it?

I recommend not sealing wood with wax. If the wood gets warm enough for the wax to flow, the wax will penetrate the wood and cannot be removed. Heat in a poorly ventilated attic, garage, or shed can cause this. I have ruined wood this way, so I am not speculating. I think latex paint should be good. Do not use oil base paint, as the oil will flow gradually and cannot be removed.

from "the wood database":

Thanks all!

I usually zap it in the microwave once I cut out the braces. I can assure you, it will get really dry, really quick. reduce power settings on microwave and experiment with time. I have scorched a piece or two, setting of smoke alarm.

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Under Compensated Nut!

I took an expensive moisture meter to the spruce , which i received from alaska in similiar box last summer.The moisture content was 11%. No need for sealing. I will let it dry for 1 year before using.Or weigh the spruce once and then 6 mo. later and then another 6mo. after that.