The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Drying and Processing => Topic started by: boonesyard on October 01, 2019, 12:33:46 PM

Title: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: boonesyard on October 01, 2019, 12:33:46 PM
We've really enjoyed sawing this last year. We've met a lot of interesting people and opening up a log is like Christmas every time. With that said, we have definately found the bottleneck..... the kiln. Most of our customers are small and would like to have the slabs or lumber from their trees ASAP. Most of them also don't have the space to air dry their product and the very limited kiln services are not close and are so busy they are 3-6 months out to get them in a que. Plus, most don't want to mess with these small stuff. We have found a niche with these small orders, there are a lot of them and the lack of kiln availability presents an opportunity. 

We have decided to purchase an Idry. The small loads, quick turn around, and the ability to process without as much air drying time fits our model very well. I look forward to the do's and dont's from everyone, along with the challenges and opportunities of learning the drying side of this business. Sounds like we're about 6 weeks out for delivery, that's OK, I've got a lot of work to do to get its new home ready.  8)  
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: rjwoelk on October 01, 2019, 02:17:38 PM
What is your operating costs on a IDRY, update costs maintenance contract.? 
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: samandothers on October 01, 2019, 08:13:19 PM
Congratulations!  Wish you were closer!   :D    It is to be difficult to find kilns that one can take their wood to for drying and sterilizing.  
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: Southside on October 01, 2019, 11:25:26 PM
Forum member @Glenn1 (http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=27307) is not too terribly far from you and has an IDry
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: boonesyard on October 01, 2019, 11:38:36 PM
Looks like Genn1 is in NC?? Not real close
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: boonesyard on October 01, 2019, 11:42:11 PM
Quote from: rjwoelk on October 01, 2019, 02:17:38 PM
What is your operating costs on a IDRY, update costs maintenance contract.?
I'll let you know when we get it up and running, but our KWH costs are fairly reasonable. They're a new product, but I'm hoping maintenance costs are reasonable. 
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: farmfromkansas on October 02, 2019, 09:41:41 AM
Be cool if you would post pics and let us know all about your install.  Kind of like plan man's solar kiln build.
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: alan gage on October 02, 2019, 12:11:15 PM
Where are you in central MN, if you don't mind my asking?

Alan
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: boonesyard on October 02, 2019, 03:21:17 PM
I'll try to do an install thread with pics. We're located on the Minnesota side of the Red River about 25 miles south of Moorhead.
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: Glenn1 on October 06, 2019, 08:30:45 AM
Quote from: boonesyard on October 01, 2019, 11:38:36 PM
Looks like Genn1 is in NC?? Not real close
Yes, I am in NC.  I'm just a few miles south of Minnesota. (:  
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: boonesyard on October 06, 2019, 09:06:02 AM
Quote from: Glenn1 on October 06, 2019, 08:30:45 AM
Quote from: boonesyard on October 01, 2019, 11:38:36 PM
Looks like Genn1 is in NC?? Not real close
Yes, I am in NC.  I'm just a few miles south of Minnesota. (:  
How's your idry been working for you? Do you keep it going full time? Any issues? What have you been drying?
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: Southside on October 06, 2019, 09:25:17 AM
Quote from: boonesyard on October 01, 2019, 11:38:36 PM
Looks like Genn1 is in NC?? Not real close
I meant for @samandothers (http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=18664) as a possible option - yes a bit far for you!!!  But the weather would be nicer come January.   :D
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: boonesyard on October 06, 2019, 10:59:31 AM
Quote from: Southside on October 06, 2019, 09:25:17 AM
Quote from: boonesyard on October 01, 2019, 11:38:36 PM
Looks like Genn1 is in NC?? Not real close
I meant for @samandothers (http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=18664) as a possible option - yes a bit far for you!!!  But the weather would be nicer come January.   :D
Aha, I get it. You are so right, it would be much nicer in January. It would be nicer right now too. Good thing it only rained twice up here this year...........once for 45 days and again for 30 days.  :D
Title: Re: We're Taking the Plunge
Post by: Glenn1 on October 06, 2019, 09:06:47 PM
Quote from: boonesyard on October 06, 2019, 09:06:02 AM
Quote from: Glenn1 on October 06, 2019, 08:30:45 AM
Quote from: boonesyard on October 01, 2019, 11:38:36 PM
Looks like Genn1 is in NC?? Not real close
Yes, I am in NC.  I'm just a few miles south of Minnesota. (:  
How's your idry been working for you? Do you keep it going full time? Any issues? What have you been drying?
It's been working nicely.  We keep it going 24/7 and have it up to 167 degrees during the summer heat.  
I've been air drying all our wood for 2+ months and that has sped up the drying process.