To stabilize wood..it is important that controlled temperature air gets to
all sides. I used to build dulcimers..this is what we'd do after we had
sawed the wood. We would put it in a place where it was not too hot..didn't
want it to warp. Then you "sticker" it. This is placing 1/2 inch pieces of
wood between the ends so that the ends are supported and stack it this way,
a board, then the 1/2 inch pieces of wood on each end (short ends) then
another piece of wood. Normally, you will want to put a bit of weight on
the top of the last piece so as to not let it warp, which it will if you
leave it with nothing to hold the ends flat. Leave it until the moisture
goes way down. You can get a wood moisture meter that will let you know how
things are coming along..or you can simply go by how it feels and looks.
Usually it takes several months to let it naturally air dry. Perhaps you
have a friend who has a wood kiln who can kiln dry it for you? But know that
kiln dried wood, because the drying is hastened, may crack and warp more
than if you let mother nature do it. Hope this helps. Joyce
