The above two photos show the plates of my Opus # 20 violin before U.V. exposure...

The two photos show the same two plates after two weeks U.V. exposure (24/7)...

... Even the inside of the plates can be 'tanned' in this method...

...This is a view looking down into my U.V. exposure box that I built. Notice the two plates hung inside and the pan of water in the bottom which keeps the plates from drying out from the 100 degree F. heat. Two special 40 watt U.V. generating fluorescent bulbs (2 feet long) simulate continuous sunlight.
...Notice how the inside of the box and lid are lined with aluminum foil glued in place, to direct the light evenly around inside and make sure it is absorbed by the plates and not by the inside surfaces of the box!

Ground Coating (outside only)

Cross section of wood strip being tested, 0.100" thick spruce [quarter sawn], showing distortion after drying and U.V. light exposure.

Bulb information: General Electric 24", 20 watt # 10244 / F20T12/BL
Marked on bulb: F 20 T 12-BL / Black Light / 20 watt
Purchased from www.Granger.com
part # SV 871-8

(edited 8/2014)
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