Storage of Wood for Cabinetwork
When working with wood to be made into furniture, or other constructions of a high grade of workmanship, the ends of the finished pieces should be shellacked in order to prevent moisture from entering the ends. The ends are more susceptible to moisture, as the pores of the wood are exposed. The application of this remedy will often prevent warping or winding of boards, which is particularly distressing after a piece has been shaped to its final size.
The pieces should be stored in a warm, dry room, and in any event care should be taken that they are exposed evenly. If a board is placed on the top of a pile of similar pieces, it will be noted that, if left overnight and the weather becomes rainy, the upper piece will be warped. This is caused by the absorption of moisture on the upper side, the resulting expansion forcing the piece to warp or curve.
Long pieces of wood under process should be set on end while being stored temporarily. The permanent storage should be in racks having supports about 2 ft. apart. If the supports are too far apart, the boards may warp or wind at intervening points. Boards in piles should be separated by strips about 1 in. thick, set about 3 ft. apart, in order that the lumber may be open to the air. This will keep the stock more uniformly dry.