What is a drying box? I realize it is a box that you put a rod into to dry, but what does it do? what is it's purpose? I am new to this. Thanx in advance.

Drying boxes isolate the rod and the finish from the outside air supposedly keeping dust problems at bay. If you line it with incandescent lighting you can also regulate the temperature inside the box. My guess is that most rod builders do not have need of such a device but I know others that swear by them. Whether or not you need one depends on your specific situation and what you have going on in your shop. Lots of dust? Very cold temperatures?

I use a box.

It keeps dust and lint out of my finish.
Its good for storing rods that are going to have to sit a bit and keep dust off them.
Its good for pushing the cure time on finish.
Its good for pushing the cure time on structural epoxy.
Its great in the winter to get a nice regular temperature going.

I have my halogen under cabinet lights in my box plugged into a timer. I can have the box turn on a couple hours before I plan on doing anything and its up to temperature by the time I want to use it. My finish is in there so it gets prewarmed. And I can leave my the lights on for any time I choose to keep the finish curing.

I won't be without one. I use it all the time for more than just finishing. Its just too convenient to have one.


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Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

Like Matt said.