Chicken or Egg

WranglerSS · October 13, 2016, 10:42:02 AM

I pick up my new WM LT28 on November 3rd and the first project I plan to build is the VT Solar Kiln with the lumber I mill. I have read that for outdoor projects it is best to fell, mill and hang the lumber green and let it dry on the build project. Will that be the case with the kiln or should I use dry lumber for the framing?

GeneWengert-WoodDoc · October 14, 2016, 09:53:55 AM

Undried lumber is ok, except that it will warp as it dries in-place, especially southern pine. You may need to replace some pieces.

Den Socling · October 14, 2016, 06:02:16 PM

Besides that, it is heavy stuff to work with.

YellowHammer · October 14, 2016, 11:35:01 PM

Sounds familiar, that's pretty much what I did, also. However, I wasn't sure how moist the floor was going to get, so framed it out of pressure treated store bought. The siding, studs, rafters, etc was off the mill, still pretty green, for the most part.

thecfarm · October 15, 2016, 06:14:30 AM

I have built a couple buildings like the way you have. Cut the tree and saw lumber and build with it all within a few hours. But these was all out buildings,sheds. No insulation was trapping the moisture in. I myself would let the building sit for 6 months??? than put the insulation to it??? I do know even a month makes a difference in drying. I had a friend help me put up some 2x8X14 hemlock right off the mill. These was a full 2x8 too. Than I had some that I had stickered for about a month. He liked them alot better,much drier. I would not want to trap any moisture in a building or between the insulation.
Good luck with the LT28. You will enjoy sawing.