If you had to do it all over again....

[cobbr68]

Based on input from what I call the FF elders, I am going to build a solar kiln as my first step.  I have 2 questions:

1.  Is there a thread on solar kiln mods like I've seen for sawmill mods?

2.  What would you do differently?  If you were building your solar kiln today, what would you change?  

Thx!  

Rick

[firefighter ontheside]

There's numerous good threads on solar kilns in this forum.  Each has lots of good info.

[doc henderson]

I think most variations are to use materials on hand, and or save money.  I have been planning one and had a conversation with Dr. Gene Wengert who did much of the research and development of the VT solar kiln, and he finally stated "it is just a solar kiln".  so as much as I tried to understand all the pros and cons, it does not have to be complicated, unless like me you want it to be.  the first thing is to get a copy of the plans.  you may modify as needed.  the original was 14 feet long.  so if you plan to make 18 foot lumber, you would want to make it at least 20 feet long.  to make it wider gets complicated due to trying to get air to move through the stacks at the needed velocity.  the clear glazing can be many things.  the ones that last the longest, are the most expensive.  so read up, and then ask questions and we can all chime in, including @GeneWengert-WoodDoc .  good first questions.  good luck.

[btulloh]

X2 or so on lot's of build threads here that should help you.

The main thing is to use the VT design and make sure any mods or changes don't affect the critical aspects of solar collection, air flow, and venting.  Plenty of room for interpretation but the more you deviate, the more attention needs to paid to the impact on the critical areas and proper operation.

Good luck with your build.  You'll do fine.   It's really great to have a functioning solar kiln.

[scsmith42]

The VT design is hard to beat.  In my instance, I made some dimensional modifications that I have been very pleased with.

For background, I use four solar kilns as pre-driers for a Nyle L200.  In addition to effectiveness, my priorities are ease of machine loading and the same stack size as I use in my Nyle (40" deep, 60" - 72" tall).

On my last solar kiln builds, I stretched their height and widths compared with the VT original.  The dimensional increase allows me to set a 6' tall bundle of lumber on top of either a pallet or some 4x4's inside the kiln.  That means that I need some extra clearance above and beside the load.  Kiln doors are 8' high, which is also the distance from the bottom of my baffle to the floor.

Outside width is 20', and with 2x6 wall construction my inside width is around 18' because I can't open my doors 180 degrees in their current location.  

If I had it to do over, I would increase the outside width to 22' in order to have more room on each end of the lumber stacks.

Here is a pic of 3 of mine during construction:



 

[DDW_OR]

Following
I am going to re-use a 16x8x8 shed i built in my teens
the roof is shot, walls and floor are good.
will be adapting the VT designs to fit the shed.

in future will be building a Hi-cube refer into a kiln

FYI, i cut for my self
plan to build a 20x30x10 work shop inside the back end of a 30x60x14 polebarn

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Two ideas.
First, do not enlarge the kiln.  Rather build a second one.  More flexibility on species, MC coming in, etc.

Second, even if you build only one, consider where a second one, in a year or two, might go.

Remember that a kiln is considered a piece of equipment, so its cost could be a tax deduction with maybe a five year amortization eve On schedule C filers.

Maybe also build a small solar kiln and rent out space to folks needing to dry a few board feet.  Have them stack and unstack it.

Get a rugged moisture meter with a probe attachment with long,pins.  Probably $300 ,minimum.

[farmfromkansas]

I built my kiln 16', planning for a 14' pallet, but think I will build the pallet 13' long.  You have to get the pallet into the kiln without running into something, when it is that wide, with a skidsteer, kindof close. Think I will put a dot of white paint on the front wall, and put a mark on the center of the pallet and lumber to try to aim for the center when loading.

[caveman]

SCSmith, I am interested in seeing your doors and hinges on your solar kilns.  Our next one will have two swing open doors and we will not have the middle panel.  We are probably a year or more away from building it.

[DDW_OR]

@scsmith42 

Me to, on the doors and hinges
will be building in the next 4 months

[scsmith42]

I'll see about taking some pix and posting them. 

They are simple... 2x4 framing, plywood glued and screwed on the outside and closed cell spray foam in the inside. There is a stainless steel cable and turnbuckle that runs diagonally across the door on the inside; from the upper hinge side to the lower door side where the two doors meet.