well, I started on the kiln finally.

[hackberry jake]

I drove rebar into the ground a few feet and then poured concrete inside the blocks for the foundation pillars. Ya have to start somewhere I guess.


 

[Bill Gaiche]

Yip, on solid ground is a good place to start. bg

[Andy White]

hackberry jake,
A really good start! What is all that shade doing around your kiln? Maybe you will be doing some trimming later on. That stack of lumber in the background will be the first in? Don't try to eat the whole elephant at one sitting. Keep up the good work, and stay safe.           Andy

[hackberry jake]

Shade isn't a bad deal on an electric kiln. It's hard to keep the temps low enough in the summer. This one will be a dehumidification kiln.

[WDH]

I knew that it was just a matter of time  ;D.

[hackberry jake]

Two 9x12s with full dimension 2x8s on top. I just put the 2x8s on top to "visualize". I will have to take them back off and cut them to length and put down plywood and moisture barrier.


 

[hackberry jake]

Got a little bit more done today before work. I still need to set one more 2x8. Next step will be cutting styrofoam boat docks down to size and stuffing it between the 2x8s.


 

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Is that treated plywood?  Especially if it is not, you should put a sheet of plastic on the soil to inhibit soil moisture.  Also, maybe dig a drainage system so water in a rain will not go under the kiln.

The moisture barrier in the floor or walls should always be on the warm side (inside) with the exterior open enough so any moisture within the wall can escape.  Ok?

[hackberry jake]

Is that treated plywood?  Especially if it is not, you should put a sheet of plastic on the soil to inhibit soil moisture.  Also, maybe dig a drainage system so water in a rain will not go under the kiln.

The moisture barrier in the floor or walls should always be on the warm side (inside) with the exterior open enough so any moisture within the wall can escape.  Ok?

it is treated plywood and the moisture barrier will go on right before the upper layer of treated plywood.

[LeeB]

You going to cut the blocks down with your mill?

[hackberry jake]

You going to cut the blocks down with your mill?

yes sir.

[LeeB]

Seems like the best way to do it. How big are they?

[hackberry jake]

The blocks vary in size. They average about 16" x 40" x 5'. I started putting the styrofoam between the joists today. I got about halfway done and decided to go and see my grandpa. Now its time to take a shower and head into my "real" job.  :-\


 

[hackberry jake]

I just picked up some more supplies for the build. At $28 a sheet for 1/2" treated plywood, the plywood will definately be the most expensive part of the chamber.

[hackberry jake]

Some more progress pictures. It's kinda tough to stand up stud walls by yourself, but where theres a will there's a way.


  


  

  

 

[Den Socling]

I have stood up roof framing by myself. When you are young, everything is possible.

[WDH]

You are putting that rigid dock insulation to very good use.  It is nice to have a sawmill.

[5quarter]

Jake...Great job so far. what do you think the R rating is for the floor and walls?

[hackberry jake]

Expanded polystyrene has around 4 per inch and the walls are 8" thick. So around 30 or so. The studs themselves probably have an r-value around 1.25 per inch, so 10 or so, but the walls use 1x8s so the area of lower r-value is low.

[WDH]

What type of dehumidification system will you be using?

[bedway]

Ive also started my dehumid. kiln and will post pics soon.

[hackberry jake]

What type of dehumidification system will you be using?

I haven't got that far yet. Probably a nyle.

[bedway]

Ive elected to go with the high tech.,low cost plug in unit thats been setting in my loft for 5 years. ;D Im at the same stage as you starting on the wall construction.

[hackberry jake]

I was just looking around lowes for some type of paneling for the exterior of the kiln. I found a cart of slightly damaged treated plywood (1/2") for half off. Score!  8)

[WDH]

That is nice.