Using a dehumidifier for timber drying

**Bob47** · 19th March 2020, 09:28 AM

I have cut a 4 m Blackwood log into 55 mm slabs with the intention of using it for a kitchen bench top in less than 12 months time.

The tree had been down for some years, but the wood is still quite green and will not air dry in the time required. Would probably take 2 years.

I don't want to build a solar kiln as I will be moving in about 12 months, that is too much effort and expense for something I will only use once.

It appears that setting up a dehumidifier kiln could be the solution. The only information I can find on this on a small scale is on the Instuctables website at Kiln Dry Lumber at Home : 6 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables It looks relatively simple to build a box to enclose the timber and a dehumidifier. There is a bewildering array of dehumidifiers on the market ranging from about $80 to $800.

Does anyone have any experience with using a dehumidifier for this?

I am in Tasmania, RH will be 75 to 95 % for the next few months. The timber is presently stacked and stickered in log form in my shed. I am running a fan a few hours a day to keep air circulating around it.

Any help or alternative suggestions would be appreciated.

**BobL** · 19th March 2020, 10:33 AM

Before you get too excited I would seriously do the energy/$ sums. Buying and then running even a small dehumidifier and fan for 24/7 for many months will add up and it is perhaps worth asking is it worth it? The energy costs will be higher if the air is a one pass though the chamber which is why more recirculation air is used than flow through air. From memory it was something like 3 or 4 to 1. If you don't recirculate you can still get preferential drying which will crack the timber.

**rustynail** · 19th March 2020, 05:35 PM

A bit risky running quality timber through a new set up. And as Bob has already said, an expensive way of drying timber. Rushing the drying process usually gives problems.

Thread: Using a dehumidifier for timber drying

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Using a dehumidifier for timber drying

Similar Threads

Dehumidifier in the workshop?

air drying wet timber

dehumidifier kiln help

Wanted Ebac Dehumidifier for a Timber Kiln

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions