Official Luthiers Forum!

I have a chance to pick up some koa from a recently cut tree.  How long must it be air-dried before I can use it in an instrument?

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

The general rule is 1 year/inch. So thinner sections help you. make sure that the ends are sealed and I'd check it with a moisture meter. You want about 8% or so at 45% rh.
Everyone then thinks longer is better, I'm not really sure why as it seems to me once the wood has hit equilibrium moisture content (emc) it should be stable. Wood does age however, I believe this is the hardening of the woods resins. But it should be workable once it's at emc.
Maybe someone else can enlighten us on this point.
Grab it, sticker it and stash it!

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

If you are in Hawaii, the lowest % when seasoned/air dried is about 12-16%. no matter how long you sticker it. And Jim is right at 1 year/inch. The figure/color in Koa becomes more pronounced/rich as time goes by after processing. 

ckp.

If the stuff has already been resawn down to approx 1/8" how long will it take to use it - 1/8 of a year?

_________________
A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Approximately, but 12% to 16% is too high unless the instrument is going to stay in Hawaii. The other thing to watch for is drying too fast which can create stress and cause cracks. Saw mills will often water their logs to slow it down and help prevent cracking. Maybe one of our sawyers will come along and enlighten us.
Where's Shane when you need him

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com