WWA Info Exchange

Gene · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:47 pm Post subject: Dry kiln plan

I think I'm going to build a dry kiln, since I get a little impatient waiting for wood that I cut to dry, and getting it down to < 12%MC around here is a little difficult due to our usually high RH. I think I also might be able to make a few $$ locally with it. No other kilns around here within a couple hundred miles.

There's lots of plans out there for solar kilns, etc., but this one seems to be one of the best. It's a small kiln for up to about 300bf. Design could be enlarged of course for bigger loads.

http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/publications/pdf/FR-396.pdf
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Jess · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 3:15 pm Post subject:

Good idea. I would be interested in how it goes.

Scot had a solar kiln. He might be able to provide some input.
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skyrider · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 3:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks for posting that link Gene !!! I've got the perfect place to put one of those on the SW side of my shop. And I've already got a dehumidifier and space heater that aren't being used. Just need to buy the lumber, plastic, insulation and fans and I'll be in business.

Thanks again,

Skyrider

Gene · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 3:25 pm Post subject:

Gene · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 3:38 pm Post subject:

Jeff Fox · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 7:13 am Post subject:

That does look like a nice set up. But, those doors look like a two man job to remove. Shocked

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NB George · Veteran Joined: 30 May 2008 Posts: 1669

Probably not a coincidence that people earning their living at woodwork don't operate kilns. People who sell wood do. They require a lot of time during their cycle to produce quality lumber. Which, BTW, will rise to that 12% EMC level within a couple three weeks out of the kiln.

If you sell all the wood, you might justify the time, but using it might be better served by making a nice air dry shed and a project dry area indoors in some controlled moisture area. I like to air dry a couple-three months and then bring it in to a 50% fall basement. It becomes a 20% or less basement during heating season, which means the May wood is ready in December.

I'm also one of those who prefers the working quality of slow dry to speed dry wood.