Tomobako Lid Warping

[AdamMY]

Hello,

I'm wondering in what directions the conditions are off in my room, when inspecting my boxes today I noticed that some of the lids are starting to warp slightly. Is this caused by it being to humid, or too dry?

And Are there any suggestions to counteract the warping or prevent it from getting worse? Such as should I wrap them in rubber bands?

[edkrueger]

Either lack on excess of humidity could cause it. The worst would be fluctuating humidity. I would avoid the rubber bands, it is possible that after a long time that they would leave marks. A cloth string would be my preference.

[Chip]

Also light or heat ...

I keep them in a fairly high humidity room that never gets very warm either. No warping so far at all.

[Victoria]

I haven't had that problem either, but then SoCA is pretty consistent weather wise. However due to space constraints I am worried about all those I have moved to the attic. Time will tell.

I agree with Ed - nix on the rubber bands, I considered it too for awhile, but decided against it.

[MarshalN]

Depends on where you live, you can't avoid it. I live in the NE, and it's cold here in the winter, which means heaters are always on. All my tomobako lids warp. It's just part of life.

[Robert Fornell]

I'm wondering in what directions the conditions are off in my room, when inspecting my boxes today I noticed that some of the lids are starting to warp slightly. Is this caused by it being to humid, or too dry?

Adam,

Heat and humidity are factors regarding warpage, but I have found that the quality of the box is more important. Cheaper boxes, usually with only two rails on the bottom of the lid tend to warp more as well, as with most of these boxes, they are made with wood which isn't totally dry which then warps as it dries. There's really not a whole lot one can do except when buying boxed work, try to have them up grade the box as while it may cost a few extra $ it's well worth it as far as protecting the contents.

Cheers,
R

[MarshalN]

Actually, the fitted lids will warp too -- eventually. It's not as obvious because the sides are holding it in shape, but eventually it will snap and crack if it's dry enough.

[TIM]

Actually, the fitted lids will warp too -- eventually. It's not as obvious because the sides are holding it in shape, but eventually it will snap and crack if it's dry enough.

+2 many of my boxes are going towards that stage....

[edkrueger]

I agree with Ed - nix on the rubber bands, I considered it too for awhile, but decided against it.

I just had an idea, hair bands might be a good solution for smaller boxes that are warping.

...I have found that the quality of the box is more important. Cheaper boxes, usually with only two rails on the bottom of the lid tend to warp more as well, as with most of these boxes, they are made with wood which isn't totally dry which then warps as it dries. There's really not a whole lot one can do except when buying boxed work, try to have them up grade the box as while it may cost a few extra $ it's well worth it as far as protecting the contents.

I'm not so sure that they use wood that isn't dry, but the quality of the wood is important. That wood other than Kiri –I don't remember what it is called– sucks up humidity much more than Kiri. Also, there is quite a difference in quality between some 2 railed boxes and others. I have some 2 railed boxes that fit great and others that really suck. I should add that fit almost allays seems better on kiri.

[Robert Fornell]

I'm not so sure that they use wood that isn't dry, but the quality of the wood is important. That wood other than Kiri –I don't remember what it is called– sucks up humidity much more than Kiri. Also, there is quite a difference in quality between some 2 railed boxes and others. I have some 2 railed boxes that fit great and others that really suck. I should add that fit almost allays seems better on kiri.

Ed,

Falcata, the wood you mention, generally is cheaper than kiri, which may or may not pull in more moisture. That said, I still think that it's a function of quality when buying kibako, as better quality boxes are made with dry wood. I don't box any work in two rail boxes period as they're, IMHO, too prone to warping.

Best,
R

[MarshalN]

Part of it is just Japan is that much more humid than here. My colleague who works on medieval Japan tells me how the scrolls here are much better preserved because the humidity is a lot lower.