Replies

1. 
   10fingers | Aug 05, 2004 03:22am | #1

   I used to be in the fire & water restoration biz several years ago.  I never saw the type of damage you describe but it was discussed in my training.  There is a company in Dallas (Blackman Mooring Steamatic) that has (had) a giant freeze dryer that was able to remove the water out of important documents and such.  They do work nationwide such as NYC/911.  I don't remember what the chamber does to furniture but was told it would freeze dry a deceased pet so it would last for years.  Unless the musical instruments are very valuable, they are probably an insurance write offs.  Unless you put the wood in some sort of stickered arrangement that is bound tightly, it may shift its final shape from the original.  I refinishd several tables that had been in fire and the finish bubbled off and the glue failed, but that was the extent of my actual experience.  Look in the yellow pages for fire & water restoration experts.  The good ones will have a portfolio of the types of damage they have successfully done.  If you do it yourself, good luck.

2. 
   jackiechan | Aug 05, 2004 04:11am | #2

   Musician',

   The first thing that need to be done is to move the furniture and instruments to a temperature and humidity controlled area.  Most times, the first - and incorrect - action, is to move the water damaged piece into a warm/hot dry area to thoroughly dry it out.  Accelerating the drying process will cause splitting, cracking, and warping.  The goal is to maintain a ambient room temperature of no more than 70 degrees (Fahrenheit), and to slowly bring down the humidity, all while maintaining a good circulation of air around the piece.  This means the damage furniture or instrument must be set up on some sort of rack or stickering configuration to maximize air flow on all sides.  If the room is already at a very low state of humidity, it may be necessary to place a humidifier into the room.  Then, slowly over many days, or weeks, depending on how thick the water damaged wood it (e.g. longer for thicker), reduce the output of the humidifier.  If you have ever seen the restoration of an ancient wooden boat that has been brought up from the ocean depths (think Viking ships), they are kept in water filled tanks, and then moved to a scaffolding and cradle structure under a constant wetting from sprinklers and misters.  This is all done to minimize the drying damage effect.  These boats might be kept under these conditions for years until they stabilize.

   If the furniture and instruments have truly come apart, they should be clamped into a form fitting jig to help them maintain their shape as they dry.  Keep in mind that the jig mustn't interfere with the consistent air circulation around the piece.

   If you have any question, please feel free to ask!

   Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

   
   

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   Edited 8/4/2004 9:14 pm ET by Jackie Chan

1. 
   Biscardi | Aug 05, 2004 05:13am | #3

   I am working on a piece I made for my church 5 years ago. It is a sort of podium. I put it together with hide glue. The window it was near leaked and it sat in water. Alot of the moldings came apart. I was really embarrased.

   I steamed apart the loose remaining joints with a steam iron and I scraped off most of the hide glue. I am regluing with titebond. Next I need to strip the finish.

   Quite a nuisance.

   Frank

3. 
   user-277699 | Aug 06, 2004 08:42pm | #4

   Thank you for your tips & suggestions. 

   Unfortunately before I was even apprised of the damage done by the water the owner (of the musical instruments) had moved them to a dry location and permitted (encouraged?) them to dry out so warping and shrinkage are issues I'll have to deal with.  Most of them are worth repairing, even if insurance won't cover the damage.

   -Musician42