Hi all. New to the group.
As I live in the frozen “Tundra” (Northern Ontario), I have a workshop outside that can get quite cold.
I do most my woodworking in the workshop thru the year as it does have a decent propane heater. The heater is only turned on when I am working on stuff. Although, it may stay on a few days if staining and sealing is involved.
My question; (to many much more knowledgeable than I)
I purchased 3 pieces of kiln dried – 2″ thick (48″ x aprox 20″) live edge spalted Maple during the summer. As this project hasn’t yet reached the ‘top’ of the importance list, the wood has sat undisturbed on a rack while other projects have been in progress. Well, winter has set in and temps are below freezing.
Now I am ready for the project involving the Maple – BUT – how can I safely use it without it reacting to the temperature?
– Should I leave it undisturbed until the weather warms up again?
– Should I build the project (3 tier shelf for an audio system) in the cold? Although – then comes the question – when to warm up to stain and seal?
– Slowly warm up the shop a few degrees a day then work on it?
As the wood was not cheap ($200/slab), I am worried, I’ll make the wrong decision and have a nicely warped audio stand. 🙁
Hopefully – someone with some experience regarding (very cold) temps of stock can assist? this can’t be very different from buying stock from lumber yards that store their wood outside, can it?
Thanks in advance for any help;
Pat
Replies
As long as it’s at a decent temperature when doing glue-up’s, it can be worked frozen, I have done it for years in the province next to yours.
Hey Gulfstar, thanks for the reply.
Your suggestion, then would be to cut, glue the project in the cold. That's sounds do-able.
Then, when would you stain and seal it? Obviously, I'll need a reasonable temp to manage that.
No, glue at above the temperature cited by the glue manufacturer but you can cut, shape and sand in cold conditions.
Ok. Think I have it.
Build (cut, shape) the project in the cold.
Bring temp up (to required degree) to screw and glue. I gather I'd be bringing up the temp very slowly to avoid warping.
At that point - after all glued, I should be able to stain and seal as well.
P
Stain and most finishes , shellac, oils, oil based varnishes and waxes are pretty much comfortable with cold temperatures.
Titebond has an application temperature specification. Titebond 3 is above 47 Deg F.
Good to know - I should check the glue(s) I use.