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After 12 months of operation the kiln Bruce Williamson built for his company
Oyster River Tone Woods proves that the small woodlot operator can "go it alone." His economical unit dries 1,500 board feet of 1" lumber to 8-10 percent moisture in about 30 days (alder/maple).
(Click here for a larger view.)
Specifications
Foundation
Poured 2" concrete slab over 2" decking (with vapour barrier) and 6" x 6" frame.
Building
2" x 6" timbers sheeted with OSB, R20 insulation and vapour barrier.
Door
2" steel angle and 2 x 4s, 2" Styrofoam insulation and OSB sheeting both sides. Door track consists of roller bearings running on 1/2" steel rod and hung from a 20' steel angle header. The closed door is sealed against a rubber gasket with eye bolts and brackets.
Interior
A stud wall constructed across the width of the building two feet from the back wall is sheeted two feet down from the ceiling to hold four fans. Below the fans is a hinged "baffle board."
Hardware
One 5 kw heater, two domestic dehumidifiers (e.g., Sears), capillary tube thermostat and four 12" circulating fans.
Operation
The lumber is stacked with stickers from the interior stud wall to within six inches of the door. The stack can reach as high as the hinged "baffle board" that sits on top of the kiln load to deflect the circulating air over and through the lumber during operation. To begin drying start the fans, set the heater to 110 F and start the dehumidifiers. Check moisture content periodically with a moisture meter.
More kilning links . . .
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WEC Opens
The grand opening of the Wood Enterprise Centre (WEC) in Quesnel will be held on Saturday, November 8, 11:00 to 1:30 pm, in the new office located at 325 St. Laurent Avenue in Quesnel.
Community Kiln
In addition the WEC will start up a new research kiln located in the trades building of Quesnel Senior Secondary at 585 Callanan Street at 1:30 pm. This 1,500 board foot dehumidifier kiln is an on-going partnership between the WEC and the community.
Forest Products Publications on CD-ROM by Greg Giese
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