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Drying thick Walnut Planks?

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Drying thick Walnut Planks?

#1

Drying thick Walnut Planks?

Paul in NJ

>I have some 4/4, 5/4, 8/4 and 12/4 walnut that has been drying outside for a year. The 4/4 and 5/4 is down to 11.5-12 percent according to my moisture meter and I have moved that into my shop for use later this year. I doubt the thick planks are that dry on the inside. Should I leave the 8/4 and 12/4 outside for another year or two? Do you think they would dry quicker inside the shop? I keep a little heat in the shop all winter and run a dehumidifer during the warm humid weather. I also keep a small fan running all the time to keep the air circulating.

Thanks,

Paul Dzioba

Re: Drying thick Walnut Planks?

#2

Re: Drying thick Walnut Planks?

Stephen Shepherd in the State of Deseret

>Air drying hardwood takes about one year for every inch of thickness. This also depends on seasonal and weather conditions, temperature and humidity, air circulation, phase of the moon, &c.

Sounds like you are doing everything right. Just be patient, air dried wood behaves much better than kiln dried wood, from working, gluing and finishing.

Stephen

Re: Drying thick Walnut Planks?

#3

Re: Drying thick Walnut Planks?

Michael Stadulis, in Gloucester County, NJ

>Hi Paul,

I moved my 10/4 walnut into an unheated basement after 4 months and it did fine. Walnut is a well behaved wood. Sounds like you did well.

-Mike in Gloucester Co, NJ

Re: Drying thick Walnut Planks?

#4

Re: Drying thick Walnut Planks?

"RJ" Whelan

>Paul ... I'd leave the 8/4 outside until spring and I'd give the 12/4 another year outside. I think the key is to avoid large changes in ambient conditions ... rj

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