Thread: Quick question for solar kiln users.

Justin

When I had dealings with Rosegum Timbers, they used to air dry for three months before placing the material in the kiln.This was for 150 x 25 flooded gum. However I think this was more a commercial decision in that it allowed them less kiln time for any one charge and consequently they could dry more product.

If you place timber in a kiln straight off the saw it will take longer to dry than if you had air dried it down to 30% first, which is what Rosegum were achieving with their air drying time. Also I believe that first drying down to 30% can be achieved fairly easily and relatively quickly. It is the next stage that is slow, down to 12% (roughly) and this is where the kiln, solar or high temperature, comes into its own.

I am not familiar with pin oak, but I would certainly try to take some advice on the drying characteristics particularly if the solar dryier is not up to speed with the timber. Your 55mm boards would also need more air drying time to reach 30% than 3 months.

Regards
Paul

As well as reduced kin drying time there is also less surface cracking if some air drying is performed before kiln drying. My understanding is this is more a hardwood problem whereas most softwoods can be kiln dried immediately.

Oak is difficult at the best of times. It must be dried slowly, otherwise there will be a lot of reject. I air dry oak rather than kiln as the kiln is too fast. Permanent shade, cool, well ventilated spot.There is no use being in a hurry with oak. For other species,when using an air dry then kiln process, you normally air for about six months before the kiln. I'll stand corrected, but I haven't seen oak successfully kiln dried.

thanks all,

had hoped to get away with a month or so in the air, then kiln down to 12-15%
maybe i'm too greedy...