Sending Wood to Stablize. What to think about?

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barretc

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Sep 14, 2011
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Hi all,

So, I scored a couple nice pieces of Koa and some Tulipwood at a local wood supplier, and thought I would send some off to be stabilized. I've done a bit of searching, but haven't exactly seen any pointers about sending wood off to a stabilizer, or best practices.

I was thinking about things like sizes to precut or other gotchas that might help in prepping the wood. It is dry, that I already know.

I may order some other pieces from a different supplier if I am already sending some out and get a decent sized batch to be processed.

The boards I have are mostly 4/4 surfaced if that helps in any answers.

They will either end up as small Wa style handles or re-sawn for scales.

Thanks in advance for any ideas or input

Barret
 
Cut them into blocks however you want but oversize them by 10-15 percent. They will need cleaning up when you get them back.
 
Matt gave good advice on keeping the pieces slightly oversized.
Moisture content should be under 10%.
Trim off any waxed ends.
Only send in the very good stuff to be stabilized.

I would recommend K&G Stabilizing (my opinion). Other companies usually end up with muddy colors with the Koa.
If the tulipwood is the rosewood variety I would call and ask the stabilizers first. Some rosewoods don't like to be stabilized.
 
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