Official Luthiers Forum!

I recently purchased my first kit guitar from LMI. The wood arrived in perfect shape but my house was pretty dry and the top wood immediately curled about a 1/4 inch on the outside edges. After searching the site, I found I should place the wood in between some other (flat) wood and add a little weight. I also started running the humidifier in my room where I'm keeping my wood. How long should I leave the wood alone before I start to thickness (using a safe t planer) and join?

Thanks,
Devin

As the environment it is exposed to changes so will the wood you should “sticker” the top plates, back plates and unbent sides (if unserviced kit) for a period of time to acclimate to your shop. And if possible control the RH and temp in your shop. I know you want to get on with the build but you really need to allow the wood to acclimate for at least 30 days at absolute minimum in a relative constant environment

Wow! 30 days. Oh what torture is this? (c:
You didnt mention the neck,bridge, finger board. Does all the wood need to acclimate for 30 days, or could I start on the thicker parts while waiting?

Thanks,
Devin

The neck and fingerboard are not anywhere near as thin or sawn to the same grain orientation as your top back and side They still should be placed on a flat surface in the same enviroment.

Yes it is always best to allow all wood to aclimate. 30 days is short time frame in the scheme of things. Many of us by wood sets a year or more in advance of building with them.

Thank you for the reply Michael. I think I might start looking for that second/third guitar wood now. (c:

Devin

that is how to do it.