Archtop question

[56nortondomy]

I'm not too sure if the RH has to be in the zone before i can brace an archtop. The top is carved and the braces are carved to fit, so can i brace it if the RH is high or do i need to wait? I don't have a controlled room so i'm pretty much relliant on what the weather is doing. Thanks.
Wayne

[jeffhigh]

I've never built an archtop, but if the bracing is parallel, I reckon you'd be good to go but is it's an X I'd be wanting low RH for bracing and regardless of bracing type I'd be wanting good RH before gluing plates to rims.

[kiwigeo]

Wayne....there are a few alternatives to a humidity controlled workshops. The lowest tech solution Ive seen is a cardboard box with a light bulb inside. I recall someone in here fitting out an old wardrobe as a dry box.

[56nortondomy]

It is x bracing Jeff, thanks. Might be worth a try Martin, a box would be more my go because my shed is really small, i've got no room for any more stuff.
Wayne

[curly]

Moisture control would be even more important in an archtop me reckons .
The thicker the timber , the more generative stress it can produce . Other thing is just because the humidity takes a dive , it doesn't mean the timber will respond immediately . It'll take a while to equalise , some timbers moisture cycle quickly , some slow .
Pete

[56nortondomy]

Thanks Pete,from what you and Jeff have said i've decided i should have the proper RH before i brace it.
Wayne

[Woodsy23]

For humidity control, I have a small dehumidifier and I'm thinking of adapting one of these "walk-in" green houses from Aldi as a "dry room".
http://www.discountstoresau.com/aldi-ca ... iew-8.html
They should seal well enough and can be dismantled and stored when not in use. They have even reduced the original price, presumably because they weren't selling.

They may be big enough to work in (hopefully without suffocating).

I'm also thinking of adapting it as a "spray booth" because I, too, have limited room.

[kiwigeo]

Get Aldi to chuck in a couple of garden gnomes to sweeten the deal