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so if you are new, many of the generic concepts you ask about can be found on various threads here. @GeneWengert-WoodDoc is an authority on kiln drying and wood, and is part of this forum. he has written handbooks on drying hardwood and other available for download online. he also has done many webinars available through the NHLA (national hardwood lumber association) you have to register, and if you have trouble it will be because even your name and address cannot have spaces in the sign up page. then all kinds of webinars are available to tell all the reasons why this will not work well over time. it will work, but it may be easier and cheaper other ways. most home humidifiers have a temp limit, and will only last a few years in that environment. If the lumber is for framing and such, it only needs to be under 20% and can be done outside airdrying and with poss. addition of fans. cost some electricity. can be cheap plastic 20 dollar box fans, or 100 dollar meatal bigger fans. most places can air dry to 12% in the summer. at least start out air drying, and then if you need 7%, you can finish in the DH kiln, when much of the rapid water removal is done by airdrying. 7% would be for finished indoor projects. if you are paying to add heat, then insulation becomes an issue, and if not waterproofed/sealed well, the insulation will not last. you will need to seal the concrete or it will degrade form the chemical extracted from the wet wood with the water. you could look at building a series of solar Kilns and the plans are online via Virginia Tech. Dr. Wengert was involved in its original design. costs and efficiencies are discussed. Your best bet, if you have the building, is to airdry, and if needed finish in the building with a box store dehumidifier (to be replaced in a few years). I airdry and finish in an uninsulated 10 x 20 container with a dehumidifier. down to 7%. I do hardwood in their. softwood is all just airdried. air drying can be done well, and it can be done poorly. lots of thread evolving stickering, and that may be the place to start. here is one of the best ones i have ever seen save, saw, sweep, stack, sticker, secure, and dry one log at a time in Drying and Processing (forestryforum.com)
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