The Forestry Forum
General Forestry => Drying and Processing => Topic started by: Jtd83 on October 08, 2018, 07:08:42 AM
Hi everyone,
I have acquired a number of Maple slabs that are 12/4 to 16/4. Most 11-13" wide and 8 feet long. They have been air drying for over 10 years and have a moisture content of approx. 12 percent.
Based on my Reading, it seams it is very difficult to dry slabs this thick. All I really have access to is a homeade DH kiln that I made in my basement.
Any advice as to how I may be able to make this work?
Thanks!
They do indeed dry slowly, very slowly at 80 F. Heat speeds it up. To get such thick pieces dry in a month or so, in the kiln, you need no less than 150 F and around 44% RH or 6.5% EMC. Even then, the shell will be drier than the core unless you wait a bit longer.
Do you have an attic? If so, storing (drying) a few pieces in the attic will work if they are not to heavy for the roof trusses.
To check the MC, use a moisture meter with insulated 2" pins, such as a Delmhorst with the 26ES electrode. I prefer a digital meter.
Thanks.
Why not a lower RH? Would that dry the surface even further and leave the core wet?
The lower the EMC, the harder it will be to machine the surface and get high quality.