Need advice On Solar Kiln

[Fla._Deadheader]

I have 4000 bd/ft of Ojoche Hardwood that is around 14-18% . I might have some sold for flooring, but, he wants it kiln dried.

  Down here, we get quite a bit of sun, and the temps at night drop back into the 60's or so.

  Question is, if I set up a smaller enclosure, for maybe 1000 bd/ft, will it HAVE to be insulated to prevent moisture problems ???  I can install a fan or two, put them on a timer, so the air stops moving around midnight, and then starts back up at say 8AM ???

  I am thinking about lining the ground with heavy plastic, then stacking the wood on the plastic. Then put a framed plastic enclosure over the stack, and leave enough plastic hanging out the bottom, to put dirt on it, to somewhat seal it from outside air, then installing a vent of some sort in the upper part of the structure.

  Any problems forseen with this temp kiln idea ???  ANYONE ???

[Steve]

Hey

I did exactly what you are describing to dry some Mango in Hawaii. I also added a dehumidifier inside and had it drain outside thru a tube. Turns out I needed more fans than I had (two) as there were some spots in the middle of the stacks that weren't as dry as the outside but for a first attempt I was pleased. As I remember it took about 4 months to get down to under 10% MC. Lots of moisture comes off quickly at the start and then it slows way down to get the last of it.

[crtreedude]

Harold - if you want to go the easy route - there is a real kiln in La Marina (outside of Ciudad Quesada) - I checked once and his prices were reasonable - A truly professional setup too.

I am about to build a few kilns myself.

[Fla._Deadheader]

Trying to keep the cost down on this first attempt. Need to get this lumber sold. Figured maybe it wouldn't be so critical with the MC at 14% ???

[crtreedude]

Depends if the person uses air conditioning or not. With A/C - it better be dry - or in Guanacaste - anywhere else 14 % should be fine

[Fla._Deadheader]

Gringo of sorts, has been in country for 14 years. Sounds like he knows what he needs  : ???

  I ran some info by him today, and waiting for his response.

[fencerowphil (Phil L.)]

Now, we ALL know the Forestry Forum has the best website,... but

there are bunches of Solar Kiln ideas on WoodWeb.http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Solar_Kiln_Designs_4.html

To assure even drying throughout a stack the baffle design inside will
make a tremendous difference.   In a pinch, most of that baffle could
also be poly.  The frame wood be your own wood, of course, providing
a mounting point for circulating fans.  (can we ship you a couple of clearance
fans from Walmart or BigLots?)

Phil L.

[Fla._Deadheader]

I'm only wanting to reduce the MC about 10%, from 18% to 8% ??

  Cant see how this would be so terrible difficult , especially with the night temps being cool enough to allow the moisture IN the wood, to migrate to the surface ??

  Don't even know if there are dehumidifiers available down here to help with drying the air. Gonna check in the city.