Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Kiln Drying
Peter Teubel
>I'm looking for information on constructing a small lumber drying kiln. When I mean small, I mean something like 4'x4'x4'. Just for drying bowl blanks. I don't want to build some closet with a few light bulbs for heat. I would want to build something with a dehumidifer, heat source, fans, etc....4-6 week cycle.
Anyone?
Re: Kiln Drying
Gary Evans
>Pete,
Controlling the RATE of drying is the most important factor to consider in building a kiln such as you propose. This means that you need to be able to CONTROL temperature AND humidity. With green wood, you may need to raise the humidity and lower the temperature in the chamber, as well as vice-versa.
The problem with setting up a 4-6 week control cycle such as you mention is that with turning blanks we are not dealing with nice, straight grained, homogeneous lumber. Instead, we have pieces that have side grain, end grain, etc. In fact, the prized pieces for wood turners, turn out to have the least homogeneous grain patterns. That's why we call it "figure."
I don't have time at the moment to go into depth about the various issues pertaining to wood drying, but I will try to check back in tomorrow and give you some more information that might help you with your research.
GE
Re: Kiln Drying
David Eaves
>Hi Peter,
I recently got this book (link to amazon opens in new window)
It is very good and covers all the issues of humidy versus temperature and drying rates. It is quite technical which I like, and is not just waffle. It contains plans to make a small solar powered kiln with fans. It also describes dehumidfying and stuff. If you can get hold of a copy from a library or buy one I think you will find it useful.
Hope this helps
David
Re: Kiln Drying *LINK*
Charles Bjorgen
>Within the past two or three years, American Woodworker magazine published a story with plans on making a de-humidifier-based kiln that might fill the bill for you. You may be able to find the back issue from the site below.
American Woodworker Magazine
Re: Kiln Drying *LINK*
Charles Bjorgen
>That link didn't work. Try this:
American Woodworker Magazine
Re: Kiln Drying *LINK*
Peter Teubel
>I understand. I am willing to fully automate and computerize the process, if need be. However, there is a guy who used to dry bowls in a homemade kiln and it was done in a 4-6 week cycle. Unfortunatly, he's no longer in business. See the link below and take the "tour". Very interesting information.
http://www.woodenbowlart.com/pages/tour.htm
Re: Kiln Drying
Peter Teubel
>Thanks for the info! I've just ordered the book. As far as solar kilns go, I would prefer something more consistant that solar power. It is probably cheaper to run, but I believe it take alot more "babysitting".
Re: Kiln Drying
Peter Teubel
>Thanks for the info!