Banding while air drying?

[aburnette165]

What are the pros and cons of banding stacks during air drying? Thanks

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Because the pile is shrinking, the bands must be tightened daily.  The bands do not apply enough force to hold the lumber flat...they may reduce cup slightly, but not enough to change grade or usefulness.  It takes about 100 pounds per square foot, which for a 4' Wide and 12' long pile is 4800 pounds or 2.4 tons.

The bands do prevent lumber from falling off the top and can keep pile roofs from blowing away.

[red]

I believe there is a strapping company called Kubinec .

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

If you have a pile that is 4x12, that is around 48 board feet of 4/4 per layer, and for oak, that is about 300 pounds per layer.  So, if weight or straps will control warp, anytime we have 16 layers or more, the layers below the top 16 should be flatter than those above.  (Exclude the top two layers as rain and sun warp them.). Truth is that we do not see this.

So. If you do have some warp, money is better spent on getting perfect vertical alignment for sticks and 4x4s, as that will control warp better.  Also, make sure foundations are level and flat.  Also, spend money on a roof to keep rain off.  If you own the sawmill, better sawing can reduce warp.  These are much better ways to spend money, as there is a good return.