acetone to speed drying

[Thumpbass]

You may have read in another thread that I am dealing with a thruhull fitting (livewell drain) that was letting water into the transom. I luckily caught it early enough to where there is no rot (except for a very small amount on the surface inner skin). The core wood is solid, hard and splintery yellow but it is pretty damp. I am going to let it get good and dry before I seal up the soft spot and re-do the thruhull. Seems like I have read somewhere that you can use acetone to speed up the drying process for wet wood. The mounting hole is approx 1" 1-1/4" Any thoughts, info opinions, methods for this? Normally I would just leave it alone but with it turning colder I figured I might want to give it a littl help.

Thanks

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: acetone to speed drying

I haven't heard of that so I won't comment. But have you considered packing the hole with a desiccant like silica gel? You can re-dry the stuff in a microwave. Other than those "do not eat" packages you find with electronics equipment, you can get it in craft stores for drying flowers. Sealed double paned window frames are packed with it as well.

500W halogen lights work wonders for me most the time.

 

[stevieray]

Re: acetone to speed drying

Nothing works better than forced hot air when drying anything.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: acetone to speed drying

Acetone will sort of work but not well, hot air is the best method.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: acetone to speed drying

Cat litter will absorb water. Lot's of dry air movement is better. I would avoid using acetone....far too flammable.

 

[strizzy]

Re: acetone to speed drying

.....and that fact that is dissolves glue.... and plywood is glued together....

 

[imported_TheMan]

Re: acetone to speed drying

Acetone might also remove the natural oils from the wood, thereby making it more hydrophilic and making sure you will have a problem later on down the road.

 

[Thumpbass]

Re: acetone to speed drying

I had my doubts about adding a powerful solvent to plywood...glad to know my instincs (or comon sense) are getting better.

I guess the only thing I have that will blow hot air is a hair dryer...anybody ever rigged a hair dryer on a stand to keep a constant hot flow?

I also have a 5K Honda generator that has a nice hot exhaust blow but electricity is alot cheaper than gas these days not to mention that generator is loud...it p's off my neighbors when the power goes out because not only is it loud...I have power. 8)

 

[stevieray]

Re: acetone to speed drying

Wouldn't use a blow dryer - they are not designed to run for extended periods. I have one of those little Rival ceramic space heaters - it's only about a 6" cube & runs on 110VAC - it has a built-in fan & will heat a small room.
Can't remember where I got it - probably HD.

 

[BillP]

Re: acetone to speed drying

It takes a long time to dry saturated ply. I popped the drain tube out and dried by drilling 1/4" holes 4" to 6" out and around the transom hole. I drilled them on approx 1" to 2" spacing away from the drain hole until the wood was dry...did this from the inside. Then let a fan blow on it for several weeks. After it was dry I plugged the small holes and sealed the plug hole with epoxy..

Bill