First Timer Stabilizing Question

[Silverado]

Hello
I just purchased one of Curtis Stabilizing Systems.
I have 3 maple burl stopper blanks in it with about 6 pen blanks 5 inches
in length.
I had them in the chamber pulling 29 hg vacumn for about 4 hours and I am still get some large bubbles asif they were boiling.Should it take this long for
just a few blanks? and should the bubbles be completly gone to complete the process?

Thanks,
Tim

 

[RBcarving]

It depends on the wood & dryness. I have had 6 pen blanks under vacuum for 10 hours before they stopped bubbling....others in as little as an hour. I have also had the best luck with Cactus juice if after releasing the vacuum you let them set for a good hour before you remove them from the juice. Squeegee them well (with your fingers (gloves)) and wrap as snugly as possible in the aluminum foil. I would recommend a tray under your blanks while in the oven.

Brad

 

[Silverado]

Thanks Brad for the info.

 

[MesquiteMan]

Tim, Please call me so I can give better advice based on a two way conversation. Four hours is not uncommon but I would like to ask a few questions to be able to better give you an answer.