12 Sep. 1997
Diy lumber kiln,self-centering mortising jig plans,woodworking money makers,california woodworking schools - Reviews
I added a couple of remote sensors in the middle of the stack so I could tell when the wood was dry without having to open the kiln (Photo 5). Home Centers, Fiberglass roofing panels, treated lumber, treated plywood and insulation. The cost of running this may be worth it if you were really desperate for the first year's supply like I was, but 18 -20% seems really good already unless you are doing lumber or something. I too would like to see the total electrical energy consumption for this as it may be interesting to see the cost vs buying kiln dried. I have managed to obtain green wood at a lumberyard at a fraction of the price of dry wood. Because the wood is protected from the elements, this solar kiln offers more control with much less chance of defects than air-drying provides. 
This keeps the humidity in the kiln from dropping too quickly and slows the drying process. The big pile of green wood in front cost the same as the tiny pile of kiln-dried wood behind me. To prepare a base for the kiln, I leveled treated landscape timbers on a bed of river rock in my backyard. Insulation in the walls and floor helps the kiln retain heat, which helps speed the drying process. Attach a wire to each nail with alligator clips and run them out a hole in the side of the kiln. After the kiln is loaded, all that’s required is some minimal vent adjusting while the wood dries. 
During the day, the kiln heats up and the fan comes on to circulate hot air through the stack.
Moisture is drawn from the wood into the air and is vented outside through the vents or leaks out naturally through the kiln’s joints and seams.
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