Solar Kiln Plans in this month's American Woodworker

[Paschale]

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.   :

[metalspinner]

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.......

[Raphael]

  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.  ;)