Official Luthiers Forum!

I am storing a signifiant amount of toned. Any recommendations about the best way to store wood and deal with the termite issues associated with Hawaii?
David

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Bookmarking for future reference as I also live in a termite area and will soon be laying in supplies that I would be crushed to see turn into lunch!

Termites are common here, especially around my house. Termites need a moisture source and a mud trail from there to the food (your wood). As a starting point I would consider shelving with metal legs (easy to inspect) and, most importantly, a humidity controlled environment. Don't know if that is practical for you. I don't have metal legs on my shelving but my shop humidity is controlled from 35-45%. Find a good pest control company, I have my shop protected with Termidor and they inspect annually. Another thought is to contact some other luthiers in Hawaii and find out what they do.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

There may be different species of termites, I really don't know whether yours, in Hawaii, are the same species with the same behaviors as what we have here in the Northeastern US. But the issue of termites here is one of prevention. Any old house, if made of wood, will eventually have problems with termites. The good news is that the modern in the ground bait stations are very effective. The termites are attracted to the bait, bring it back to their nest (which is in the ground, not in the house) and the toxins wipe out the colony. As long as you keep the stations charged, you won't have any problem with termites. I'd simply get a contract with a reputable termite treatment company, for your tonewood and for your house.

Rather than looking for a luthier (there is one near south point on the big island. He stores his wood inside the house in a bedroom at 45% humidity) find either a local furniture crafter (couple good ones in Hawi, also big island) or a place that sells wood. I know of one in Kona that has a nice web page so you can contact them. They have tons of wood in a big wherehouse. They probably know about termites.