Hello all,
I'm fairly new here but read through enough to know that you are indeed a great group of very helpful people. I therefore have a question.
I have read here (in the OLF archives) and there (else where on the net) about baking or cooking your top sets prior to jointing.
The general consensus would seem to be that this process stabilises the wood against future shrinkage and sets the tone. Some even suggest that it also helps to decrease the required "play in" period for a new instrument.
Others maintain that the process also makes for a superior finish by expelling volatile oils from the timber and crystallising the sap within the wood thereby avoiding the adverse reaction that would normally take place between thinners and those volatile oils gassing off thus reducing sink back.
I personally do not know how much if any of this is true, although some of it does indeed sound feasible. I have also read somewhere that Bob Taylor states that Taylor Guitars cook their tops to lessen the damage that can be caused by clients who leave their instruments inside vehicles.
So, there would appear to be some merit in the process. However I also read a lot of various ways that people go about achieving a well controlled bake. Vertical heat cabinets, the home oven, boxes with light globes and kilns are some that I have encountered.
My question is, has any body tried stickering their tops in a home made wood press, and throwing it inside a parked car for a few hours on a hot day? Seems it would be big enough to do your sides and backs as well, hell, you could even throw the neck in for good measure, if it can cook a dog, it can cook your wood.
If it gets too hot, put down the windows a little, what do you all reckon.
Cheers
Kim
.As for bakin' in my car, here, summer doesn't last long, (Man i hope i'm not working during that day