Hot and humid.

[B Smith]

We are having a very hot and humid summer. Went out to the lumber pile yesterday to get some 2x4s I purchased this spring and had to drill holes in them to drain off the water to reduce them back to 2x4s. Cut one piece on the table saw and had to wear a rainsuit.
Do you suppose the clocks I have made will be reduced in size when the humidity drops

[Marcel in Longueuil]

Hi Smitty,

If you made them from solid wood, and the moisture content of the wood is very high, there is more than a good chance that you will get wood movement.

How much, will depend on the orientation of the grain, the species of wood, the difference in moisture content.

When working with solid woods it's always a good idea to bring the wood inside a week or two before using it in order to acclimate it to your shop.

On the other hand, if your clocks were done in BB, you have no worries.

If you do a lot of work with solid woods, it may be a good investment for you to get a moisture meter.

I do recommend that you stack/store your wood in a place where it is protected from the environment (rain/snow/water runoff) in order to protect your investment as much as possible.


Oh... and get a slicker to cut those 2 by's

Regards,
Marcel