The Forestry Forum

There's a slick article in American Woodworker this month about how to make a small solar kiln in your backyard.  It really looks like it would be ideal for the hobbyist (like me).  According to the article, the guy has dried 4/4 hardwood in about six weeks with the thing in the middle of summer.  All in all, I think he said he put about $850 into the project.

It might be worth a look for some people thinking about wanting a kiln just to dry one load at a time.

The only beef of contention is that the article suggests going to that other website to find out all the answers you need.  You know the one I'm talking about.   ::)

I've yet to get a load of lumber dry in six weeks in mine.  Maybe if I had it insulated right and my wood was down to 12% to start, and there were no overcast days, and the fans moved the air around just right, and.......

  I've got close to 1000sq.ft. of random sized and shaped stress skin panel cut offs I plan on using for insulation once I get around to building a kiln.  Should make for a well insulated north wall at the very least...
  I think I may know where to find advice when I need it.  ;)