Can you build a cheap kiln ? what about solar kilns ???

[Shaggy]

I'm new to this and trying to figure out what would be best for the lumber I'm going to produce. I want to sell most and use some as flooring in my new house so it needs to be dry but was wondering best way to do this besides waiting 6 mo. to a year to dry... Most (90%) is hardwood wood and mostly white oak then maple w/ some cherry and poplar...

So can you build a kiln @ reasonable price ???? What are solar kiln's ??? are they good??? Can they be made cheaply ???

[Dan_Shade]

can you define cheap?

a solar kiln uses solar energy as a heat source.

[Shaggy]

lots of sun n heat here in south mississippi. so what is price range??? I'd build the building myself and want to know how much so I can see if its worth doing or would it be better getting it done by someone and still make a profit selling the lumber. But if its gonna take years (to pay off) and massive bank loans then I'd rather air dry or pay someone as I only pay cash for my stuff... Banks n Uncle Sam get TOO MUCH as it is...

[Compensation]

Look up top where it says solar kiln pictures. I forget total price of mine but it was under $1000 with fans and a few of the solar panels for power. Lan told me that solar can't get under 6% MC so that means it can be used as storage as well. I am vary novice about kilns so others would be better at recommendations.

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Solar heated kilns do work, but for the small quantity you need, save the $1500 cost of a solar kiln, assuming your time is worth money, and contract the drying.  Probably would be a good idea in your area to dry over 150 F to eliminate the lyctid powder post beetle and then move the dried lumber immediately to a safe bug free storage place.

[Kingcha]

I only have $600 into mine kiln, but I cut almost all the wood in it.  I also had some plywood laying around that I used.  If I had to buy those that might have been another $150 at most.   I still have to decide if I want a hinged door on the back.

Mine kiln seems to be working good but then I am still learning how to dry lumber.



https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,67821.0.html

[pineywoods]

Shaggy,  Can you build a chicken coop with lumber you sawed yourself ?
Solar works well, but it is a bit different. There are 3 of these kilns locally. We dry wet cypress down to 6% moisture content. The only expense is plastic greenhouse roofing and a small room de-humidifier. The rest is just lumber and a little insulation.
click here
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,50281.msg726419.html#msg726419

[Shaggy]

Shaggy,  Can you build a chicken coop with lumber you sawed yourself ?
Solar works well, but it is a bit different. There are 3 of these kilns locally. We dry wet cypress down to 6% moisture content. The only expense is plastic greenhouse roofing and a small room de-humidifier. The rest is just lumber and a little insulation.
click here
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,50281.msg726419.html#msg726419

1) yes I've built chicken coops (got some runnin around here atm)
2) I only wanted below 10% so thats great
3) YEA I KNOW ABOUT HUMIDITY, n from the sounds of it I might b able to use it as a winter green house (start my maters early) when not drying wood
n I might need to holler @ ya about tradin some hardwood for some 1x6 to 1x8 cypress for my board n batten barn siding...  ;D