I was just wondering if moisture content is important when building fiberglass bows? Should each lam be in that 8% to 12% range? Also can lams be cut from both sapwood and heartwood? Any information would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.
Chris
I think that the moisture range from 6%-12% is pretty common. I think in the glass laminate bow too high a moisture can cause some moisture to come out of the lam when heated and possibly cause a barrier from a good glue line.
Sapwood and heartwood can be used in a glass bow.
Yes it matters. I saw lams and store them inside my house a/c and heat for a week or so if it is too humid. I will final sand them to taper or parallel just before glue up. The oposite is a problem to consider too. If they are good and dry when you glue up and you wait too long before you seal the bow and leave it in a place not environmentaly regulated until you get to work on it again you may find split glass where the wood swelled from absorbing moisture and the glass couldn't take it.