Solar Wood Drying Kiln

Wood industry fact sheet solar drying basics west virginia university extension service.

Solar wood drying kiln.

Fapc 146 fundamental aspects of kiln drying lumber and f 5042 practicalities of air drying of lumber. Unlike air drying it ll dry wood to the moisture level needed for interior use. Kiln drying lumber is a simple cost effective method recommended for anyone who wants to increase profits by selling dried lumber. Air drying rates are difficult to control and thus solar kiln drying is recommended especially during the critical initial drying of green from the saw lumber.

The solar kiln provides more control with decreased chances of defects compared to air drying. Kiln dried wood typically sells for a third more than green lumber and eliminates the need for. Before it is dry wood is pretty inexpensive. A solar kiln is the simplest and safest way to dry green wood quickly.

If you are into boat building this site describes the building of a 45 foot sailboat very interesting. There are many small homemade solar kilns that can be built for approximately 600 700. Because of its low cost and simple operation solar drying lumber is considered an attractive method to dry small quantities of lumber. A solar wood drying kiln in which the entire front glazed area lifts up for access.

Because the wood is protected from the elements this solar kiln offers more control with much less chance of defects than air drying provides. Hence you can obtain green wood at a lower price at a lumberyard. Because wood dried too quickly will develop degrade the fundamental rule of drying lumber is that the quality of drying is controlled by the rate of drying.