Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Jjpso on June 25, 2018, 05:34:04 am

Title: Mold
Post by: Jjpso on June 25, 2018, 05:34:04 am

Hello guys
Looking for some advise...
 I had around 30 ash and elm staves drying in my basement
They were cut last year, all were without bark, and were supported in the extremities.
I wanted to rearrange the space to gain some space for the staves I cuted this spring, so maybe 15 days ago I puted them facing a wall that faces the exterior soil.
I went on vacations, and returned yesterday, and today I went to look them and they were covered in mold! This never happened before, I just moved them 1 meter from where they were before! But the wall facing the soil has more moisture for sure!
I removed the mold and putted the staves in the exterior, under a balcony and don't know what to expect.
They look ok, and I will try to get them dryer before I take them inside again
What's your opinion? Do you think I can still use them? Or better to burn them?
Thanks in advance

Joao from Portugal!

Title: Re: Mold
Post by: stuckinthemud on June 25, 2018, 05:51:36 am

They'll be fine.  The only thing is the mold might stain them but caught early and treated its not a problem, surface mold is not like deep-seated rot.

Title: Re: Mold
Post by: Jjpso on June 25, 2018, 06:44:10 am

Thanks stuckinthemud! 
Do you think I should apply some product on the surface, or it will be ok just removig it like I did?

Title: Re: Mold
Post by: Hrothgar on June 25, 2018, 06:55:17 am

Jjpso, I have a moist basement too, and had a similar problem a few years ago. Since your staves have been curing for a year and as stickinthemud said, your mold is recent, the wood should be good. I would wipe the staves down with a bleach solution to kill the mold (3:1 would do).

You might want to invest in a dehumidifier, mold can be a dangerous house guest.

Title: Re: Mold
Post by: stuckinthemud on June 25, 2018, 06:57:28 am

When I have had mold on bows (during a particularly wet winter) I coated them with a Danish oil and its never come back, I imagine any surface sealant will prevent mold but so will keeping it in a dry environment.  My workshop is not very dry but it is very draughty so a constant through-put of air is helpful.  If you're in Portugal I might be more worried about high temperatures causing surface checking so sealing the timber (watered down PVA) would be a really good idea anyway.  Personally I'd seal them and put them in the coolest storage I had available

Title: Re: Mold
Post by: Pat B on June 25, 2018, 07:30:13 am

Mold thrives in moist conditions.

Title: Re: Mold
Post by: simk on June 25, 2018, 10:56:01 am

had the same thing - just brushed the staves and stored them i a drier place now. the problem is caused in summer when warm air gets into your cool basement the air cools down and cant hold its moisture anymore (condensation). cheers

Title: Re: Mold
Post by: Jjpso on June 26, 2018, 04:58:31 am

thanks everyone!
i feel more reasured now!

regards!!!